Dozens of wildfires erupt across Greece amid high risk conditions

Greek authorities said dozens of wildfires have erupted across the country over the past 24 hours, as firefighters managed to bring a major blaze north of Athens under control after an intense overnight battle.

The fire broke out in the Oropos region, roughly 60 kilometres from the capital, and was contained after several hours of firefighting efforts. According to fire service union spokesperson Kostas Tsigas, 55 additional forest and brush fires ignited nationwide within the same 24-hour period, Caliber.Az reports via foreign media.

"With daylight and the help of firefighting helicopters, we must quickly extinguish the remaining hotspots before strong winds pick up later today," Tsigas told Greek state radio.

On the northern Aegean island of Thasos, a separate fire forced the precautionary evacuation of a hotel due to heavy smoke. Parts of the island experienced power outages, though the fire was later brought under control, officials said.

Greece’s civil protection authority has issued renewed warnings amid ongoing high temperatures, drought, and strong winds, noting that even small fires can rapidly escalate. Large areas of the country remain under the second-highest level of fire risk, according to the latest national fire danger map.

Meanwhile, in neighbouring North Macedonia, several wildfires were also reported. In response, Greece has sent two firefighting aircraft and personnel to assist its northern neighbour.

By Sabina Mammadli