Greek authorities have ordered mass evacuations on the Ionian islands of Zante and Kefalonia after an intense drought and powerful winds triggered a surge in wildfires across the country.
The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection confirmed that more than a dozen evacuation orders were issued on Tuesday alone, affecting multiple parts of western Greece. Fire danger levels have been declared “high” in Attica, Western Greece, Epirus, Thessaly, the Peloponnese, Central Greece, the Ionian islands, Eastern Macedonia, Thrace, Central Macedonia and the North Aegean.
Fire crews are currently battling 106 active wildfires nationwide, with 63 of those breaking out within a single day. The blazes have been intensified by tinder-dry vegetation following weeks of drought and fanned by strong seasonal winds.
On Chios, tourists were rescued from beaches by emergency services as flames advanced rapidly toward populated areas. Authorities in Zante and Kefalonia have carried out similar operations to relocate both residents and visitors to safety.
Greece has formally requested additional firefighting aircraft from the European Union to help contain the spread, as local resources remain stretched. The fires have scorched large tracts of land and prompted widespread travel disruption in affected areas.
Officials are urging the public to remain alert, follow evacuation instructions without delay, and avoid fire-prone zones as the extreme conditions are expected to persist through the week.