Additional wildfires have broken out in western Greece, heightening fears of an even larger disaster. (Image Source: DW)
Keratea is facing one of its worst wildfire disasters in recent memory. Flames tore through the Togani area on Friday afternoon, killing an elderly man inside his home. The fire started in the Manoutso area, burning dry grass and farmland before roaring into residential zones.
Winds reaching 80 km/h turned the blaze into a moving wall of fire. Smoke billowed over the region, making the air unbreathable and the sky a dark orange. Emergency alerts from the 112 civil protection service urged thousands of residents to evacuate immediately. Police officers went door to door, removing at least 10 people who had refused to leave.
Seven areas—Synterina, Dimolaki, Maliasteka, Agiasma, Charvalo, Drosia, and Ari have been evacuated. In Ari, the fire swept through from end to end, leaving little behind. Lavreotiki mayor Dimitris Loukas described the situation as “extremely difficult” and warned that the blaze now stretches more than seven kilometers.
The fire is advancing south into pine forests, pushed by relentless winds towards the Anavyssos area. Authorities fear that without containment soon, it could engulf even more communities.
Also Read: Fact Check: Did President Trump ‘Own Slaves’ in Dubai? Viral Social Media Claim Debunked
A force of 190 firefighters, seven ground teams, 44 vehicles, and the mobile operations center “Olympus” are on the scene. Eleven aircraft and seven helicopters circle overhead, dropping water on the most dangerous spots. Heavy machinery from the Attica region, along with fire crews from the Czech Republic and Romania, has joined the fight.
But the flames keep pushing forward. The wind scatters embers far ahead of the main fire line, igniting new blazes in seconds.
Also Read: The Man Who Turned Apollo 13’s Disaster Into Triumph, NASA Icon Jim Lovell Passes Away at 97
As Keratea burns, another massive wildfire has broken out in Helidoni, in the municipality of Ancient Olympia. More than 100 firefighters, supported by aircraft, helicopters, and local volunteers, are trying to hold the fire back.
The threat here is especially severe. High-voltage power lines cross the area, and the flames are edging dangerously close to the archaeological site of Ancient Olympia. Evacuation messages have been sent to multiple villages, directing residents toward the safety of Pyrgos.
One person with severe burns was rushed to the hospital after being trapped at the Helidoni football ground.
Authorities warn that the danger is far from over. With strong winds and extreme heat continuing, Attica, the Peloponnese, and western Greece remain at high risk for new fires. For now, residents watch the skies, hoping the wind shifts—and the flames stop.
