"Massive Wildfire Near Athens Forces Evacuations as Flames Reach 25 Meters High"

Thousands of residents are being evacuated as a massive wildfire spreads north of Athens, with flames reaching up to 25 meters (80 feet) high. The historic site of Marathon is among the areas where emergency services are relocating residents to safety.

In the nearby town of Varnavas, homes and properties are burning, and firefighters have evacuated people trapped by flames in a convoy of 20 to 25 vehicles.

Since Saturday afternoon, Greece has faced 40 separate fires, with seven still burning. Despite the fire brigade's overnight efforts, the blaze has intensified rapidly, according to spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. Over 500 firefighters and 150 vehicles have been deployed to combat the flames, which are advancing south toward the village of Penteli, northeast of Athens. At least three hospitals in the area have been evacuated.

Strong winds are exacerbating the situation, and further intensification is expected throughout Monday. Greece has experienced its hottest June and July on record, prompting warnings from Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias about continuing extreme weather conditions.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned to Athens early to address the crisis, cutting short his holiday. By late Sunday, the wildfire had scorched 100 square kilometers (38 square miles) of land, including areas around Varnavas and Grammatiko. Residents have been instructed to evacuate via national emergency alerts, with Marathon residents directed to the beach town of Nea Makri.

In Varnavas, local resident Nikos Anagnostou described the firefront as "huge" and "uncontrollable," and noted the destruction of olive groves. Giorgos Tsevas, a resident of Polydendri, reported that his 200 olive trees had been destroyed, highlighting the widespread damage to local agriculture.

One firefighter in Marathon has been hospitalized with second-degree burns, and five others have been treated for breathing problems. The strong winds, reaching up to 46 mph (8 Beaufort), are complicating firefighting efforts, particularly for aerial units.

The firefighting operation is expected to continue through the night as conditions remain severe. Medical centers and hospitals in Athens are on high alert, with parts of the capital covered in smoke.