Greece receives EU assistance to combat destructive wildfires

Sunday 27 July 2025 - 09:30

Greece is struggling to contain multiple wildfires for a second consecutive day, with blazes spreading across various regions including the Peloponnese, Evia, and the island of Kythera. The fires have destroyed homes, farmland, and cultural sites, prompting mass evacuations and a call for international aid.

Firefighting efforts intensified on Sunday as Italian firefighting planes and Czech ground crews joined the operation. Dozens of Greek firefighters, assisted by helicopters and aircraft, continue to battle the flames under challenging conditions, particularly in Kythera, where half the island has reportedly burned. Local authorities warned that a historic monastery was under immediate threat.

In Evia, located northeast of Athens, overnight flare-ups fueled by dry conditions and strong winds further complicated containment efforts. Thousands of farm animals have perished, and vast areas of forest have been devastated.

On the island of Crete, fires that erupted Saturday afternoon destroyed homes and a church, though they were largely brought under control by Sunday morning.

Greece has been enduring a prolonged heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 40°C (104°F), contributing to the rapid spread of fires. While the heat is expected to ease from Monday, eleven regions remain at high wildfire risk according to civil protection authorities.

The Greek government has requested and received assistance from European Union allies, highlighting the importance of cross-border solidarity in the face of climate-related disasters.