A massive wildfire tearing through Keratea, in southeastern Attica prefecture, since Friday afternoon claimed its first victim, a man roughly 80 years old, who was found dead inside a brick house at the Togani settlement where he lived, according to a fire brigade spokesperson.
Initial information suggests he was unable to evacuate in time. Relatives searching for him later discovered his body.
Meanwhile, a barrage of SMS emergency alerts was issued as the wildfire continued to burn out of control, fanned by extremely strong winds. Residents in the settlements of Maliasteka, Agiasma, Charvalo, Drosia, and Dimolaki were ordered to evacuate towards the Anavyssos coastal resort, while those in Synterina were told to head to the port of Lavrio.
Πυρκαγιά στη περιοχή της Κερατέας στην Αττική. Παρασκευή 8 Αυγούστου 2025. (ΜΙΧΑΛΗΣ ΚΑΡΑΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ/EUROKINISSI)
Residents of the nursing home in Palea Fokaia have been evacuated by bus, while seven individuals with mobility challenges were transported by ambulance. Meanwhile, local residents received urgent 112 alerts instructing them to evacuate towards Lagonissi.
A series of wildfires erupted on Friday, affecting several areas near Athens proper and prompting urgent evacuation alerts and large-scale firefighting operations. While several fronts across the country are now under control, the situation in Keratea, southeast Attica, remains critical.
The fire erupted at around 2 p.m. on Friday and quickly spread through arid brushland, plots and scattered homes. Local settlements including Dimolaki, Manoutso, and Ari have been at particular risk. “The fire is out of control,” warned a Keratea community leader, noting that powerful winds are causing constant flare-ups.
Over 190 firefighters are currently deployed in the area, supported by seven ground teams, 44 vehicles, volunteers, and the mobile operations center Olympus, activated for major wildfire incidents. Among them is a Romanian forest firefighting unit stationed in Greece since the start of summer.
Πυρκαγιά στην Νέα Κερατέα Αττικής, στις 8 Αυγούστου 2025
Police have intervened to assist with evacuations, including the removal of ten residents who initially refused to leave their homes. A total of 79 police officers with 39 vehicles are operating in the area, supported by DIAS motorcycle units.
Road closures have been enforced, including the provincial Keratea–Anavyssos road, to ensure public safety and facilitate the movement of firefighting units.
Today’s strong northern winds and high temperatures have put the country in extreme fire risk (Category 5 – State of Alert), with meteorologists and civil protection officials warning of similar conditions on Saturday, August 9, across multiple regions including Attica, central Greece, the Peloponnese and western Greece.
Στο πύρινο μέτωπο της Κερατεας έχουν μεταβεί κλιμάκια εθελοντών Σαμαρειτών Διασωστών, όπου δυστυχώς σπίτια έχουν παραδοθεί στις φλόγες.#hellenicredcross #redcross #ifrc #φωτια #κερατεα #πρωτεςβοηθειες pic.twitter.com/vcshAq0BCw
— Ελληνικός Ερυθρός Σταυρός – Hellenic Red Cross (@greekredcross) August 8, 2025
Dangerous Conditions
Firefighting crews are struggling to contain new ignition points as embers are carried by the wind. “New flare-ups are constantly emerging. Conditions are extremely difficult for both ground and aerial forces,” said the president of the Fire Officers’ Union.
High winds and soaring temperatures have pushed much of the country into Category 5—Extreme Fire Risk / State of Alert—according to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
Friday, August 8, has been declared the most hazardous fire day so far this year, and Saturday, August 9, is forecast to bring similar conditions, with Attica, parts of Central Greece, the Peloponnese, and Western Greece all under extreme risk.
