Water-dropping planes try to put out a large fire near the coast in Palaia Fokaia, just south of Athens, on Thursday, June 26, 2025. (AP Photo)
A huge wildfire broke out on Thursday just south of Athens. Authorities ordered evacuations and closed parts of the coastal highway that connects the city to Sounion. Sounion is a popular tourist spot and home to the famous Temple of Poseidon.
Heatwave Adds to Danger
The fire happened during Greece’s first heatwave of the summer. Temperatures neared 40°C (104°F), making it harder to control the flames.
“We are fighting a major battle against the fire,” said Fire Department spokesperson Col. Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. He shared updates during an afternoon briefing. The fire burned near homes, and strong winds kept changing direction, spreading smoke and flames.
Aerial and Sea Support
Join the Fight Twelve aircraft and twelve helicopters dropped water from the sky. About 130 firefighters were on the ground, helped by volunteers. A coast guard ship also sprayed water from the sea. Smoke filled the skies, and at least one house caught fire, according to TV footage.
Local mayor Dimitris Loukas said some homes had been damaged, but full details were not yet clear.
Evacuations Underway
“We are asking people to leave their homes,” said town councilor Apostolos Papadakis. Authorities closed the coastal road to Sounion in both directions. Drivers were told to take other routes.
Police helped evacuate 40 people. A total of five areas received evacuation orders. The coast guard had two patrol boats and nine private vessels ready in case people needed to escape by sea. Ambulances waited nearby, though no one needed them by Thursday afternoon.
Cause Under Investigation
The fire’s cause is still unknown. An arson investigation team arrived to look into it. The fire started in a populated area, which raised concerns about possible human involvement.
Due to the weather, the Athens region and several Aegean islands are on Level 4 out of 5 for fire risk. The heatwave is expected to continue through the weekend.
Other Recent Fires Raise Alarm
Earlier this week, a large wildfire burned on the island of Chios. It took four days to control it. That fire destroyed forests and farms. Officials ordered more than a dozen evacuations. One woman was arrested, accused of starting the fire by tossing a cigarette.
Greece faces wildfires every summer. In 2018, a deadly blaze swept through Mati, east of Athens. Over 100 people died. Some drowned trying to escape by sea.
As this new fire spreads near Athens, people worry about history repeating itself.
