A massive wildfire tore through Athens’ northeastern suburbs on Monday, prompting an urgent battle by hundreds of firefighters to contain the rapidly spreading flames. Thousands of residents were forced to flee their homes, leading the Greek government to issue an appeal for international assistance.
In unprecedented scenes for the Greek capital, residents in the leafy suburbs of Nea Penteli and Vrilissia were seen desperately trying to protect their homes from the advancing fire, using water hoses to douse their properties as thick, choking smoke filled the air.
“This is the first time ever the fire has come here,” said Melina Kritseli, a 40-year-old civil servant living in Patima Halandriou, another suburb of Athens that faced evacuation. “I took my children to a friend’s house to be safe,” she added, while her husband worked tirelessly to protect their home.
Television footage showed the devastating impact of the fire, with several cars gutted and the roofs of stately homes ablaze as water-bombing helicopters flew overhead. “The situation is dramatic,” said Penteli Mayor Natassa Kosmopoulou, noting that several towns, including Marathon, were in the path of the blaze and had begun evacuations.
“A school and homes are on fire, and I can see the fire coming towards the town hall,” Kosmopoulou reported. The National Observatory of Athens, a key institute for monitoring natural hazards, narrowly avoided destruction.
In response to the escalating disaster, Greece formally requested assistance from the European Union. “The EU civil protection mechanism was activated upon request of the Greek authorities,” stated EU spokesman Balazs Ujvari, confirming that Italy, France, the Czech Republic, and Romania were sending aid. French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced that Paris would dispatch 180 firefighters, 55 trucks, and a helicopter to support Greek efforts. Additional help from Spain and Turkey was also being finalized.
The wildfire began on Sunday afternoon in the town of Varnavas, located approximately 35 kilometers northeast of Athens. Fueled by strong winds, the fire rapidly expanded into a 30-kilometer-long frontline of flames, some reaching heights of over 25 meters (80 feet), according to state broadcaster ERT.
Dimitris Megagiannis, a goat herder near Penteli, recounted the horror to Mega TV station, saying, “I heard my animals bleating and dying.” Over 700 firefighters, supported by nearly 200 fire engines and more than 30 aircraft, are currently engaged in the battle to control the blaze.
Authorities have opened the Olympic stadium in northern Athens and other venues to accommodate the thousands of people evacuated from the fire’s path. Three major hospitals have been placed on high alert.
One firefighter has suffered serious burns, while another has been hospitalized with breathing difficulties. Thirteen others have been treated for milder respiratory issues, according to fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis.
As the fire continues to rage, smoke has drifted into central Athens, with thick grey clouds enveloping Mount Pentelikon, a site known for producing the marble used in the Acropolis and other ancient landmarks. The situation remains dire as the firefighting efforts continue.
