• Greece battles a significant wildfire near Palaia Fokaia as temperatures reach 40°C.
• Evacuation orders have been issued for multiple areas; over 40 people have been evacuated.
• 130 firefighters are supported by 12 aircraft and helicopters battling the blaze.
• The wildfire's rapid spread is exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions.
• Authorities are investigating potential arson linked to the fires.

Firefighters in Greece are engaged in a fierce battle against wildfires raging near the coastal town of Palaia Fokaia, located 40km south of Athens. The fires erupted amidst the country’s first heatwave of the summer, with temperatures soaring to around 40°C (104°F), prompting evacuation orders in several areas. Currently, more than 130 firefighters, supported by 12 aircraft and a coast guard vessel, are working diligently to protect residences and holiday homes from the flames, which have been intensified by strong winds, according to Reuters, Al Jazeera, and India Times.

The fire has prompted local authorities to issue evacuation orders for five areas, relocating approximately 40 individuals from their homes to safeguard against the advancing flames. Local leaders have urged residents to heed evacuation orders, and coast guard vessels remain on standby for potential evacuations by sea if the situation worsens. According to statements from fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, “We’re telling people to leave their homes,” highlighting the urgency of the situation, as reported by Reuters, Al Jazeera, and India Times.

This wildfire outbreak follows a recent state of emergency declared on the Aegean island of Chios, highlighting the increasing frequency of severe fire incidents exacerbated by climate change. Authorities have reported damage to some properties, though precise details about the extent of damage remain unclear. In response to the growing threat, officials have ramped up firefighting resources and personnel this year to a record 18,000 firefighters due to anticipated severe wildfire seasons, as detailed by Reuters, Al Jazeera, and India Times.