The Greek fire service has brought numerous wildfires under control this weekend, yet the fire risk remains high due to persistent drought and strong winds, according to civil protection authorities.
The region southeast of Athens has been particularly hard hit, with nearly 1,600 hectares of farmland and forest burned, according to the meteorological service. Villages were evacuated as a precaution, and around 400 people were rescued from dangerous situations. A man lost his life on Friday when his remote home was engulfed by flames, while dozens of houses were destroyed and countless animals perished.
Fires also erupted on the Peloponnese peninsula, in the northeast of the country, and on the island of Samothraki. Greek media reports indicate that by Sunday, the fire service had largely brought these situations under control.
Authorities continue to investigate the causes of the fires. In a village near Athens, the mayor suspects arson. Separately, police and fire service investigations revealed that the fire southeast of Athens was likely caused by a faulty electrical cable. Two technicians from the state distribution network operator (HEDNO) have been temporarily arrested, as investigators allege they failed to maintain the power line that sparked Friday’s blaze correctly.
Given the weather conditions, the fire service and civil protection authorities warn that the risk of new fires remains extremely high, especially in the Athens region and on the island of Euboea.
