Inferno in Greece: Island, Mainland Fires Wreak Havoc Overnight

Greece is grappling with some of the most destructive wildfires in recent years, as major blazes continue to burn for a third consecutive day across the country’s islands and mainland. Local officials have described the damage as “biblical,” with homes, businesses, farmland and forests reduced to ashes.

Chios

Firefighting efforts are now concentrated on the island of Chios, where destruction in the village of Volissos is extensive. According to regional authorities, houses, businesses, petrol stations, beach bars and grazing land have been lost, along with livestock. The affected area is estimated to be almost triple the size of the island’s last major fire in June. Although conditions in the area of Kipouries have improved, the blaze has already swept through residential zones.

Patras and Achaia Region: Critical Infrastructure Threatened

In Patras, flames reached the outskirts of the city, damaging the Saint Nicholas Monastery and forcing the evacuation of the a Children’s Hospital and a local nursing home. Residents in several districts were ordered to move toward the city center via multiple emergency alerts.

Fire crews in the wider Achaia region are tackling smaller, scattered fire fronts after a massive one-kilometer-wide blaze was broken into smaller pockets. Teams are also operating in the districts of Sychaina, Bala and Vounteni.

Preveza, Zakynthos and Kefalonia

In Preveza, particularly in the area of Gymnotopos, power remains out in multiple villages despite partial restoration in Filippiada and Thesprotiko. Zakynthos has seen its fire brought under partial control, while Kefalonia also remains under watch for flare-ups.

Power Outages Across Multiple Regions

The fires have caused significant damage to Greece’s power infrastructure. On Chios, over 150 utility poles have been destroyed, leaving dozens of villages without electricity. Technicians estimate it will take more than a week to fully restore power. In Achaia and Preveza, crews are working around the clock to re-establish supply in coordination with local authorities and the Fire Service.

Massive Firefighting Operation and European Assistance

More than 5,000 firefighters, residents and volunteers are on the front lines, supported by 17 firefighting aircraft and four helicopters, as well as water trucks and heavy machinery. On Wednesday alone, crews responded to 109 fires across the country.

Following a request from Greece, the European Civil Protection Mechanism has mobilized additional resources, including four firefighting aircraft. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called it “European solidarity in action.”

Authorities on High Alert

Despite slightly lower temperatures and weaker winds, Greek authorities warn that the wildfire risk remains “very high” in five regions for Thursday, August 14. The Fire Service remains in full readiness under an emergency operational plan to respond to new outbreaks.