Where exactly is the fire burning in Greece?

The fire is raging about forty kilometers northwest of Athens, in the Boeotia region.

How much damage has been caused so far?

According to the Copernicus agency, more than 10,000 hectares have been burned, and over 100 homes have been destroyed or damaged.

Why is extinguishing the fire so difficult?

Firefighting is hampered by strong winds exceeding 100 km/h, which at one point grounded firefighting aircraft.

When will Greece receive the new Canadair aircraft?

Greece will be the first European country to receive seven new Canadair aircraft, but not until 2028.

World

Wildfire Near Athens Rages for Fourth Day: 'Situation Out of Control', 10,000 Hectares Burned

A.A. · Prije 4h | 2 min

Firefighters battle the blaze northwest of the Greek capital, 15 settlements evacuated, and winds of 100 km/h hamper efforts.

Summary

A forest fire northwest of Athens has been raging for four days and is currently out of control.
The fire has consumed more than 10,000 hectares and destroyed or damaged at least 100 homes, with 15 settlements evacuated.
Strong winds are hampering firefighting efforts, and the Greek government calls the battle 'unequal' due to climate change.
Delivery of seven new Canadair aircraft, which should aid in firefighting, is not expected until 2028.

A massive forest fire that has been raging for four days about forty kilometers northwest of Athens remains out of control, despite the significant efforts of Greek firefighters. The blaze, fueled by strong and unpredictable winds, has consumed more than 10,000 hectares of land and destroyed or damaged at least 100 homes, according to a report by the European climate agency Copernicus on Monday, August 3, 2026.

The situation is so severe that Greek firefighters told AFP that the "situation is out of control." Thick smoke has shrouded the region of Boeotia, and photographer Angelos Tzortzinis captured apocalyptic scenes as early as August 1. Authorities have so far evacuated a total of fifteen settlements threatened by the fire.

Battling Wind and Fire

Firefighting efforts over the weekend were severely hampered by storm-force winds exceeding 100 km/h, which grounded firefighting aircraft. By Monday, weather conditions had somewhat calmed, allowing for the full deployment of aerial forces. On the ground, around 500 firefighters with approximately 200 vehicles are engaged, supported from the air by about twenty aircraft, including planes and helicopters.

In recent years, Greece has significantly increased investment in fire prevention and response. It currently has 18,000 firefighters and an operational fleet of about 80 aircraft. It has also introduced more systematic clearing of vegetation and drone surveillance. Despite this, the government acknowledges it is fighting an unequal battle. "We are waging an unequal battle against the consequences of the climate crisis," a Greek government official told France Info on Monday morning.

Ongoing Crisis and New Equipment Only in 2028

The environmental organization WWF warned on Monday that southern Europe is entering a "permanent fire crisis." In response to increasingly frequent disasters, Greece will be the first European country to receive seven new-generation Canadair aircraft, but their delivery is not expected before 2028.