Greece wildfires intensify as heatwave grips southern Europe
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Wildfires continue to spread in Greece as extreme heat grips southern Europe, threatening communities, cultural landmarks, and ecosystems.
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Firefighters and volunteers use a water hose near a burning blaze trying to extinguish a fire in the village of Glatsona on Evia island, on August 9, 2025. (Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP via Getty Images)
Wildfires raged across Greece on August 13, with more than 20 blazes threatening towns, cultural sites, and forests as extreme heat and strong winds fueled the flames.
Thousands have been evacuated in southern Europe, where scientists warn that climate change is intensifying such disasters.
As of Wednesday morning, 4,850 firefighters and 33 aircraft have been deployed nationwide in what officials described as “a very difficult day.” Fire service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said operations were underway from the Peloponnese to the Aegean islands.
A blaze near the Mycenaean archaeological site of Voudeni, just seven kilometers from Patras, threatened homes and forested areas. Fierce winds have hampered aerial firefighting efforts, making it harder for water bombers to refill at sea.
Threats to cultural sites and communities
In the western Achaia region, home to the coastal city of Patras, 20 villages were evacuated on Tuesday. Fires also broke out on the tourist island of Zante and on Chios, already scarred by a massive blaze in June that destroyed more than 4,000 hectares.
The Greek coast guard evacuated nearly 80 people from Chios and near Patras, while hospitals reported 52 cases of respiratory issues and minor burns.
Temperatures are forecast to approach 40°C in western Greece, adding to the risk. The government requested four water bombers from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, but opposition party Syriza criticized the response, calling for greater investment in prevention, coordination, and new technology for civil protection.
Heatwave and climate change connection
Across southern Europe, extreme heat has worsened the wildfire crisis. Spain, Portugal, France, Italy, the Balkans, and Britain have all recorded soaring temperatures this week. Scientists say such conditions are becoming more frequent and severe due to human-induced climate change.
In Spain, cooler weather is expected to help firefighters after two weeks of extreme heat left 98,784 hectares burned so far this year, more than double last year’s total by this time. Portugal deployed 1,800 firefighters against five major blazes, while Italy extinguished a fire that burned for five days on Mount Vesuvius.
The UK also braced for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to reach 34°C in parts of England. Health officials warned of significant strain on medical and social services.
