Author: Dimitris Rigopoulos

A woman looks at what is left of her home after a destructive wildfire on the outskirts of Athens, in Nea Penteli, on Tuesday, August 13. Penteli, Vrilissia, and Dionysos, among other areas hit by the fire, have more than 110,000 residents. [Giorgos Vitsaras/AMNA] In the aftermath of devastating wildfires in Athens, Valentini Papaioannou’s experience sheds light on the challenges faced by residents in fire-prone areas. Born in an area vulnerable to forest fires, she reflects on the impact of living close to nature and the recent destruction she witnessed. As the suburbs of Athens face increased wildfire risks, Nicos…