Greek authorities declared a red alert on Monday, August 10, 2026, in Attica and six other regions due to an exceptionally high risk of wildfires breaking out and spreading. The decision was made following a meeting of the Risk Assessment Committee, and all relevant public services have been placed on full alert, as reported by the state broadcaster ERT News.
According to information published by Kurir.rs, citing Euronews Serbia and the Tanjug agency, temperatures are expected to locally reach 40 degrees Celsius. Combined with strong wind gusts and prolonged drought, conditions are ripe for the rapid ignition and uncontrolled spread of fire.
Full Mobilization and Preventive Measures
Greece's Civil Protection Department has issued a warning emphasizing that a red alert entails the full mobilization of all human and material resources. This includes activating and deploying firefighting forces and equipment for immediate danger, as well as managing the consequences of any potential disaster.
Local and regional authorities in the affected areas have been called upon to immediately convene their operational civil protection coordination bodies. The aim is to address all issues related to preparedness and wildfire risk management, while also launching short-term recovery and assistance actions to mitigate the effects of a potential catastrophe.
France Battles New Fires, Threat of Evacuation for 200,000 People
A similarly dramatic situation is unfolding in southwestern France, where wildfires have flared up again, threatening populated areas. Although the situation seemed under control at the end of last week, extreme heat and strong winds over the weekend dramatically worsened conditions on the ground. Authorities are now preparing for the possible evacuation of nearly 200,000 people.
One of the re-ignited fires is burning in the municipality of Saint-Jean-d'Illac. Fire commander Thomas Mimiaque confirmed that significant resources have been deployed. "We are at the rear of the fire that broke out on Sunday around 3 p.m. Due to weather conditions, we have deployed substantial forces, focused on extinguishing the forest fire but also on the preventive protection of homes," Mimiaque said.