Greece battles wildfires as Patras evacuations rise

Flames threaten homes and farms as Greece fights more than 20 wildfires during a heatwave, prompting thousands to flee near Patras and on tourist islands.

Greece Battles Wildfires as Patras Evacuations Rise

Greece battled more than 20 wildfires as a heatwave pushed temperatures toward 40C. A blaze near the Mycenaean site of Voudeni, four miles from Patras, prompted evacuations for several thousand residents and warned of danger to forested areas and homes. By midday, authorities said 4,850 firefighters and 33 planes were deployed across the country.

Winds were hampering water-bombing efforts and complicating sea-based water collection, according to Kostas Tsigkas, president of the firefighter officers union. In western Achaia, around 20 villages were evacuated on Tuesday, and fires also roared on the islands of Zakynthos and Chios, while the coastguard helped evacuate nearly 80 people from Chios and near Patras. The health system reported 52 hospitalisations linked to the fires, mainly from respiratory problems and minor burns.

The fires test Greece’s preparedness and its political debates about funding for civil protection. Syriza criticized the government for what it called a slow or inadequate response, urging a bold redistribution of resources toward prevention and better coordination. The episode also highlights the budget pressures that regional authorities face when heat and wind drive simultaneous emergencies across multiple fronts.

Across Europe, the pattern of heat and fires underscores a broader climate risk. The incident fuels public demand for clearer communication, faster assistance from the EU, and smarter tools for early warning and response. How governments balance urgent response with longer term prevention will shape trust in public safety networks.

Highlights

As heat tightens its grip, readiness and coordination will determine the next chapter of this crisis.