Hundreds of people were evacuated by sea from the coastal town of Agios Vasileios in central Greece on Friday, as a wildfire rapidly spread and cut off land escape routes. Approximately 500 individuals, many of them tourists, were stranded when the blaze ignited near the town. Local authorities directed people to move further inland before the fire reached the outskirts, prompting a maritime evacuation.
Another fire emerged further along the coast, burning through farmland before reaching the rural town of Xironomi. Firefighting efforts in the Viotia region, where these fires broke out, were complicated by high winds. Emergency workers worked to safely move those remaining in Agios Vasileios by boat, with over 200 people evacuated and another 100 awaiting transport.
These incidents occur as Greece and other European nations grapple with a severe wildfire season. A large wildfire on the island of Crete, which ignited earlier in the week, continues to be fought by firefighters. This blaze has already scorched thousands of hectares and led to the temporary evacuation of 8,000 people. Fires have also been reported on the islands of Paros, Andros, and Kalymnos.
Neighboring countries are also experiencing significant wildfire activity. Firefighters in Portugal and Spain are contending with blazes that have consumed thousands of hectares. A heatwave currently affecting the region has raised concerns about the potential for a major fire near Madrid to reignite.
Wildfires are often sparked by human activity, either intentionally or accidentally. However, climate change is contributing to conditions that make such fires more frequent and intense across Europe.