Greek authorities have issued an urgent warning, advising residents to remain indoors with windows tightly closed as more than 400 firefighters battle intense wildfires on the outskirts of Athens.
The fires have forced the evacuation of entire communities, including the historic town of Marathon.
By Sunday afternoon, the skies above the Greek capital had darkened with thick clouds of smoke, as firefighters, supported by water-bombing aircraft, helicopters, and fire engines, struggled to contain the blazes.
Gale-force winds, reaching 80-90 km/h, have further complicated the efforts to control the fires.
Volunteers joined the fight near the village of Varnava, located approximately 35 kilometers north of Athens.
According to the fire brigade spokesperson Vassileios Vathrakogiannis, flames in some areas have reached heights exceeding 25 meters, making firefighting efforts exceptionally challenging.
Dense smoke darkens skies over Athens as residents evacuate amid escalating wildfire threats and poor air quality.While one fire in western Attica has been controlled, a second blaze northeast of Athens continues to rage, driven eastward by the relentless winds.
As of Sunday evening, at least 10 communities around Varnava have been evacuated, with firefighters expected to work through the night. Authorities have also ordered residents of Marathon to evacuate towards the beach town of Nea Makri as the fire approached.
Health officials have urged the public to limit outdoor activities and remain indoors due to the dangerously poor air quality across the Attic basin.
The skies above central Athens turned a yellowish brown as ash clouds traveled southward, pushed by the strong winds. At least eight people have been hospitalized with respiratory issues.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his holiday to return to Athens and manage the crisis.
With Greece experiencing record-breaking temperatures and drought conditions, the nation’s terrain has become a tinderbox. The situation remains critical, with strong winds and high temperatures expected to persist in the coming days.