Greece deploys water bombers as wildfires threaten areas near Athens

Monday 03 August 2026 - 11:30

By: Sahili Aya

Greece deploys water bombers as wildfires threaten areas near Athens

Greece has deployed additional aerial firefighting resources as authorities continue battling several major wildfires near Athens, with water-bombing aircraft joining ground crews after weather conditions briefly improved enough to allow operations.

The intervention comes one day after the death of two helicopter pilots involved in firefighting efforts, highlighting the risks faced by emergency teams during a particularly intense wildfire season.

Three major fire fronts remain active

Firefighters were still confronting three difficult fronts on Monday in Psatha, Kryo Pigadi and Kandyli, areas located between approximately 45 and 70 kilometres northwest of Athens, near the coastal area of Porto Germeno, according to a fire service spokesperson.

A temporary reduction in wind intensity allowed nine water-bombing aircraft to take off and support emergency operations. They joined nine helicopters and around 450 firefighters deployed across the regions of Boeotia and Attica.

Authorities are working to contain the fires while preventing further spread in areas affected by dry conditions and strong summer temperatures.

High fire risk during peak tourist season

The Greek Civil Protection agency has maintained a very high fire danger level in Attica, the region surrounding the capital, and neighbouring Boeotia.

The risk level was classified as four out of five, reflecting the combination of extreme summer weather conditions, dry vegetation and persistent vulnerability across many Mediterranean regions.

The situation is particularly sensitive during the peak tourist season, when large numbers of visitors are present in areas already exposed to wildfire threats.

Climate pressure intensifies Mediterranean wildfire risks

Data cited from analyses linked to the European Copernicus programme indicate that more than 12,000 hectares of forests and agricultural land have burned in Greece over the past week.

The country is facing increasingly frequent and intense wildfire episodes as part of a wider Mediterranean climate challenge. Scientists and authorities have repeatedly warned that rising temperatures, prolonged drought periods and changing weather patterns are increasing the likelihood of large-scale fires.

As firefighting operations continue, Greek authorities remain focused on protecting populated areas, supporting evacuation measures when necessary and limiting the environmental impact of the ongoing blazes.