A massive wildfire has ripped through the northeastern suburbs of Athens, prompting thousands of residents to evacuate and sparking a Greek government appeal for international assistance. In a scene never before witnessed in the Greek capital, residents donned masks and fought flames with water hoses to protect their homes in Nea Penteli and Vrilissia.
As the fire spread rapidly, firefighters battled the blaze with helicopters dropping water bombs while winds fueled its expansion. Greece called for help from the EU, with countries like Italy, France, and Spain sending aid. The wildfire, which began in Varnavas, grew in intensity and claimed the lives of animals and caused injuries to responders.
As temperatures soared and wind gusts intensified, the fire became uncontrollable, leading to the evacuation of hospitals, schools, and entire communities. Memories of the devastating Mati disaster resurfaced as Greece faced widespread destruction amid its worst wildfire season yet.
The impact of climate change was evident as rising temperatures worsened wildfire conditions across Europe, highlighting the urgent need for global action to address the escalating crisis.