GREECE WILDFIRE: THOUSANDS FLEE AS MASSIVE BLAZE RAGES NEAR ATHENS

Athens, Greece – A massive wildfire ravaged the suburbs of Athens, killing one woman and forcing thousands of people to flee their homes. The blaze, which began on Sunday, has destroyed dozens of houses, cars, and businesses, and has left many more without power or water.

The fire department spokesperson reported that “pockets of flame” are still being dealt with, but there are no longer “areas of particular concern.” Hundreds of firefighters, backed by around 200 fire engines and 20 water-bombing aircraft, have been battling the blaze.

The body of a 40-year-old Moldovan woman was found in a burned-out factory, and at least 66 people have been treated for injuries. Five firefighters have been hurt.

The wildfire, fueled by strong winds, has devastated over 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of land, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. The affected areas include the suburbs of Penteli, Varnavas, and Vrilissia.

International assistance has been sought, with France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia, and Turkey sending hundreds of firefighters, helicopters, fire engines, and water tankers to help combat the blaze.

As the situation remains critical, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been under pressure to explain why the fire spread so quickly and how the government plans to prevent similar disasters in the future.

The summer wildfire season in Greece has seen dozens of blazes, with the Mediterranean country recording its warmest winter and the hottest June and July since reliable data collection began in 1960. Scientists say that human-induced fossil fuel emissions are worsening the length, frequency, and intensity of heatwaves across the world.

As the nation struggles to come to terms with the devastation, many are asking the government to take action to prevent similar disasters in the future.