Wildfires rage in Greece and southern France, containment expected after weekend

Saturday 09 August 2025 - 14:30

Firefighters in Greece and France are battling major wildfires that have already claimed lives and destroyed homes, with full containment not expected before Sunday night in France.

In Greece, more than 260 firefighters, supported by 80 fire trucks and 12 aircraft, continued their efforts for a second day near Keratea, about 43 km southeast of Athens. The blaze, fanned by winds reaching up to 74 km/h, has forced evacuations from homes and an elderly care facility. Authorities confirmed the death of an elderly man found in a small cabin near the affected area.

The flames reached close to the coastal resort of Palaia Fokaia on Friday night, prompting urgent evacuations. While the fire has weakened, several hotspots remain active, raising fears of further spread due to the strong winds.

In southern France, the fire that began Tuesday in a dense forest area has burned through 16,000 hectares — the worst Mediterranean wildfire in the country in at least 50 years. Authorities warned that the blaze, which has already killed one woman and injured several others, will not be fully under control until after the weekend.

With temperatures expected to reach 40°C and dry winds of 50 km/h on Sunday, firefighters are focusing on securing 90 km of fire edges to prevent flare-ups. Bulldozers have been used to create 10 km of access tracks in steep, heavily vegetated terrain.

In total, 36 houses have been destroyed, more than 100 homes remain without electricity, and 15 villages were evacuated earlier in the week. Nineteen firefighters have been injured during the operations. Early investigations suggest the blaze started along a roadside.