Firefighters in Greece are working tirelessly to control multiple wildfires as scorching temperatures continue to grip the region. Despite progress in some areas, several blazes remain active, fueled by strong winds and extreme heat that reached 42.4°C (108.3°F) in central Greece over the weekend.
In Turkey, the situation is equally dire, with officials confirming the country’s highest-ever recorded temperature—50.5°C (122.9°F) in the southeastern city of Silopi. Wildfires have erupted in multiple provinces, including Karabük, where crews have been battling flames for four days. A tragic incident in Eskişehir claimed the lives of 10 firefighters earlier in the week.
Greek authorities have requested additional support from the EU’s emergency response system, seeking six firefighting aircraft to aid overwhelmed crews. On the island of Kythira, roughly 20% of the land has been scorched, prompting new evacuation orders for nearby villages. Meanwhile, on Evia, a blaze near Pissona spiraled out of control, sending six firefighters to the hospital with burns and smoke inhalation.
In Crete, a massive wildfire spanning 20 kilometers has devastated forests, farms, and livestock, with strong winds complicating containment efforts. The region of Messinia also suffered significant damage to homes and agricultural land after a third wildfire erupted over the weekend.
As both nations grapple with the crisis, officials warn that the combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and erratic winds could prolong the danger. Water restrictions have been imposed in some Turkish coastal areas, including the popular resort town of Çeşme.
The wildfires follow a pattern of increasingly severe blazes in the Mediterranean, with Greece’s island of Chios losing thousands of hectares last month and Crete evacuating thousands of tourists earlier in July. Authorities continue to urge residents in high-risk zones to remain vigilant as the firefighting efforts persist.
