Multiple wildfires rage across Greece, forcing people to flee

Firefighters are tackling multiple wildfires across Greece, with blazes threatening towns near western city of Patras and on the islands of Chios and Zakynthos, forcing thousands of residents and tourists to evacuate from their homes.

The blazes began on Tuesday, and have destroyed homes, farmland and industrial sites, according to authorities.

Public broadcaster ERT reported dozens of hospitalisations from smoke inhalation, while 13 firefighters have been treated for burns and other injuries.

Nearly 5,000 firefighters and 33 aircraft have been deployed since early Wednesday to contain the spread. Authorities have said that hot, dry conditions and strong winds have complicated the response, with temperatures forecast to reach 34°C (93°F) in some regions.

In Patras, flames reached a cement factory after sweeping through olive groves and forests, disrupting nearby rail services.

“It looks like doomsday,” said volunteer firefighter Giorgos Karavanis, who travelled from Athens to assist.

Evacuation alerts were issued for a town of 7,700 people near Patras and for two nearby villages. On Chios, the coast guard evacuated people by boat as the fire advanced to the shoreline.

The crisis in Greece follows a string of wildfires across southern Europe amid a summer heatwave. Spain, Portugal, Türkiye and the Balkans have faced similar conditions, with Albania and Montenegro reporting widespread property losses in the past week.

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