A wildfire that prompted evacuations on the popular Greek tourist island of Paros is threatening to reignite as strong winds buffet the region, authorities warned Wednesday. The blaze, which spread through dry vegetation near the Kampi area on Tuesday, forced residents and visitors to evacuate multiple communities.
While the fire has been largely contained, the Greek City Times reported that officials are concerned strong winds could cause remaining hot spots to flare up again, potentially complicating firefighting efforts. Residents are being advised to avoid any activities that could spark new fires.
Paros, known for its whitewashed villages and beaches, attracts tourists from around the world. The Municipality of Paros requested assistance from residents with available space to house emergency crews battling the flames.
Visitors shared their experiences on social media. One Reddit user staying near Aliki reported having to evacuate due to the fire's size. Another user in Parikia noted the presence of multiple helicopters and ground support battling the blaze, with water being refilled near the harbor.
"We could see the fires from our house last night. It looked really bad, but it seems like it’s almost gone now," a third user commented from the nearby island of Antiparos, where they had relocated and were safe.
The wildfire on Paros occurs as Europe grapples with a severe wildfire season. Earlier in July, a significant wildfire burned near Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, fueled by record heat and dry conditions. France and Spain have also experienced large blazes in recent weeks.
Experts suggest that while record heat intensifies fire danger, human activity, suspected arson, and land management practices also contribute to the widespread wildfires across Europe. In France, the famed Fontainebleau Forest near Paris saw approximately 4,900 acres of woodland burn.