Greece’s fire service has successfully brought the wildfires that raged near Athens under control, with no active blazes reported as of August 14, 2024. However, the danger isn’t over. Gusty winds and high daytime temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F) continue to pose a threat of flare-ups, prompting authorities to remain on high alert.
Vasilis Vathrakogiannis, the chief spokesman for the Greek Fire Brigade, confirmed that while the fires are contained, firefighters maintain a strong presence across the affected areas. Crews are actively dousing hotspots to prevent any resurgence of flames, particularly in the suburbs of Nea Penteli, Vrilissia, and Patima Halandriou, which were among the hardest hit during the outbreak.
The successful containment was made possible by the tireless efforts of over 700 firefighters, 199 fire engines, and 35 water-bombing aircraft. These resources were mobilized in response to the fires, which first erupted on August 11, 2024, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) north of Athens. By the following day, flames had spread to 40 different locations, with some areas witnessing flames as high as 25 meters (82 feet).
The wildfires tragically claimed the life of a 63-year-old woman, whose body was discovered in a burned-out factory in Patima Halandriou. She was reportedly trapped inside the building after being too scared to escape as the flames approached. In addition to the fatality, dozens of people, including firefighters, sustained injuries during the firefighting operations.
The fires ravaged over 100,000 acres (40,470 hectares) of land, leading to the evacuation of thousands of residents. The massive smoke cloud that had shrouded Athens has dissipated, but a lingering haze remains over the city.
In the aftermath of the wildfires, the Greek government is conducting damage assessments and preparing compensation schemes for affected residents and businesses. The Ministry of the Interior has allocated €4.7 million in emergency funding to support recovery efforts in the affected areas. Despite the vast area affected, reports indicate that less than 10% of the burned land was forested, highlighting the impact on residential and commercial properties.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who cut short his holiday to manage the crisis, has emphasized the importance of the EU’s mutual civil protection mechanism in the firefighting efforts. Assistance from European countries, including Italy, France, Serbia, Spain, the Czech Republic, and Romania, was instrumental in combating the wildfires. These nations provided crucial support, including firefighting aircraft, personnel, and aid.
Despite the successful containment of the fires, the Greek Fire Service continues to urge caution as high temperatures and wind conditions persist. Firefighters remain vigilant, ensuring that any potential flare-ups are swiftly addressed. The situation underscores the ongoing threat posed by wildfires in Greece during the summer months, necessitating continued preparedness and response efforts.
