Greece faces worst forest fires this summer with rising temperatures

Greece is facing today, Saturday, an intense heatwave, the third this summer, with temperatures reaching up to 44 degrees Celsius, amid the outbreak of dense forest fires in several areas, especially near the capital, Athens.

In the village of Drosopipi, located 25 kilometers north of Athens, massive fires broke out, covering the sky with thick smoke, as there are factories containing flammable materials.

Explosions were heard in the area, while firefighters continue to combat the fires with the assistance of 26 vehicles and two helicopters dropping water on the flames.

ERT television channel reported the burning of two houses in the area, prompting authorities to evacuate residents of the nearby village of Kryoneri and head to Athens for their protection.

On the island of Evia, which is experiencing similar fires, 115 firefighters and 24 vehicles have been deployed, in addition to support from six planes and seven helicopters, but strong winds are hindering fire control efforts.

Residents of the Triada area were asked to prepare to evacuate immediately if necessary.

Several villages on the island of Kythira have been evacuated, including Aroniadika, Pitsinades, and Areoi, as well as the villages of Kryoneri and Silas in the Messinia region west of Athens, in a state of extreme readiness to face forest fires ignited by extreme heat and strong winds.

Greek firefighting teams are battling a severe heatwave and widespread fires, posing major challenges to the country, amid continuous warnings of the fires intensifying and affecting additional areas.