Woman killed by fierce wildfires in Greece

Fierce forest fires in Greece continue to rage and have claimed the life of a woman. On Monday, Greece asked for help from other EU countries to fight the fire.

The fire began on Sunday near the historic town of Marathon, about 35km northeast of Athens, and has since reached the northern outskirts of the capital.

Thousands of people have been evacuated since Sunday. In the Athenian suburb of Vrilissia, the body of a woman was found in a burnt-out building. Several people have also been reported injured, mostly from smoke inhalation.

The fire, meanwhile, is now about 15km from the centre of Athens. Some 10,000 hectares of land are said to have already been destroyed by the blaze. Due to high temperatures, which may continue to reach 40° C in the coming days, there is an increased risk of forest fires until at least 15 August.

Hottest winter

More than 700 firefighters have been trying to control the fire, but persistent heat and strong winds are making it very difficult, and Greece has asked for help from other European countries. France, Turkey, Italy and the Czech Republic have already sent water-dropping planes and firefighters. Serbia, Romania and Spain are also ready to help.

Greece experienced its warmest winter ever this year and, after the hottest June and July, seems to be heading for its hottest summer ever. Large parts of the country have not seen rain for months. As a result, hundreds of forest fires have broken out since May. Scientists attribute the frequency and intensity to climate change.

^{Fightfighters attempt to extinguish a fire in Vrilissia, on the outskirts of Athens, 12 August 2024 © PHOTO ARIS OIKONOMOU / AFP}