Deadly E. Attica wildfire rages – evacuations continue as winds threaten new outbreaks

The worst of the blazes ignited Friday in Keratea, a small town southwest of the capital, where firefighters discovered the body of an elderly man inside a burned-out home. Although officials reported the fire was “under control” by Saturday morning, it continues to burn in areas around Thymari and Triantafyllia, with crews working to contain flare-ups.

Gale-force winds reaching 80 km/h (50 mph) fanned the flames through olive orchards, engulfing houses and sending residents fleeing. Police went door-to-door overnight, urging people to evacuate as thick smoke blanketed the area. By morning, much of Keratea was smouldering, and images circulating in local media showed charred homes and blackened fields.

The Attica blaze is part of a wider wildfire emergency across Greece. Fires also threatened the region of Ancient Olympia and the island of Kefalonia on Friday, though these appeared to be easing on Saturday.

Authorities warn that the risk remains extremely high, with the region around Athens having seen almost no rainfall for months. Scientists say Greece and its Mediterranean neighbors now face longer, more destructive wildfire seasons due to climate change, and urgent new strategies are needed to protect lives and property.

Firefighting forces from across the country have been redeployed to East Attica, as crews race to secure the fire lines before winds intensify again.