Dozens of firefighters rushed to the Aegean islands of Skyros and Andros to bolster efforts against a major wildfires raging for a second day. Fueled by strong winds, the blaze forced the evacuation of two villages as it swept through dense forestland.
According to the Fire Service, 89 firefighters and 21 engines—including regional reinforcements—are currently operating on Skyros, supported by local volunteers and six water-bombing aircraft. The fire initially broke out Saturday afternoon near Atsitsa and spread rapidly south and east, prompting evacuation orders for Pefko and Aghios Fokas. Response teams are heavily focused on stopping the flames from reaching Pefko.
On Sunday, a second wildfire erupted near Kato Aprovatos on the island of Andros, prompting Civil Protection authorities to issue an alert for residents to prepare for possible evacuation. Twenty firefighters and an aircraft are currently tackling that outbreak.
High-risk conditions persist across Greece
Category 4 (Very High Risk): Skyros, Evia, Attica (including Greater Athens), the Cyclades, and Crete.
Category 3 (High Risk): Remaining Aegean islands, northeastern Greece, and most of the Peloponnese.
Authorities remain on high alert, banning public access to key forests and parks while urging citizens to refrain from outdoor activities that could cause sparks, such as using power tools near dry vegetation.
Summer wildfires remain a recurring threat in Greece due to prolonged heatwaves, drought, and gales. Recent weeks have already claimed five lives across Crete, the southern mainland, and regions west of Athens—a stark reminder of the country’s vulnerability following the tragic 2018 Mati fire that killed 104 people.
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