New evacuations were ordered west of Athens on Sunday, August 2, as nearly 500 firefighters battled a vast wind-driven wildfire for a third consecutive day.
The fire began near Agios Vassilios in southern Boeotia on Friday before spreading through mountainous terrain toward Porto Germeno and western Attica. By Sunday, the flames were advancing toward Megara after burning approximately 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of forest, scrub and agricultural land.
State broadcaster ERT reported that around 200 homes had been destroyed or damaged near Porto Germeno.
⚠️🔥🆘‼️⚠️Βίντεο των airfirefighters από την φωτιά στο Πόρτο Γερμενό⚠️🔥🆘‼️⚠️#φωτιες #Φωτιά #φωτιές #Πυρκαγιά #πυροσβέστες #πυρκαγιές pic.twitter.com/HNVGCCtn3V
— Sakis Lakis (@sakis_lakis) August 2, 2026
Authorities ordered the evacuation of the Megara industrial park as the fire approached the town.
Emergency alerts were also issued for Kandili, Agia Skepi, Toutouli, Nea Dafni, Pefkeneas and Agios Sarantis. Residents were directed toward Megara or Nea Peramos, depending on the movement of the flames.
One front burned through Agia Paraskevi and Krio Pigadi, where homes were damaged. Another moved toward the Kandili military firing range, while firefighters faced especially difficult conditions near Loumpa, outside Vilia, where flames were spreading through a ravine.
Satellite observations detected widespread fire activity around Porto Germeno, east of Psatha and across the mountains north of Megara during the night and early Sunday.
Northerly winds fuel rapid fire spread
Strong northerly winds remained the main meteorological factor driving the wildfire emergency.
Across the Aegean, winds reached 6 to 7 Beaufort, locally strengthening to 8 Beaufort over central and southern waters. In eastern Attica, northerly winds reached 6 to 7 Beaufort.
Within the Attica and Boeotia fire zone, north to northwesterly winds averaged 30 to 40 km/h (19 to 25 mph), with gusts of 60 to 70 km/h (37 to 43 mph). Operational reports indicated that exposed locations experienced gusts above 100 km/h (62 mph).
The powerful airflow carried burning embers ahead of the main front, repeatedly creating new outbreaks. Rugged terrain and changes in wind direction made it difficult for ground crews to contain individual sections before flames reappeared elsewhere.
Winds were expected to weaken gradually during Sunday evening, falling to around 20 to 30 km/h (12 to 19 mph). However, another increase is forecast on Monday morning, with average speeds returning to 25 to 35 km/h (16 to 22 mph).
Slightly higher temperatures may also reduce moisture in fine dead vegetation, including dry grass, leaves and small branches, allowing hotspots to reignite more easily.
Severe turbulence repeatedly prevented firefighting aircraft from making safe and accurate water drops.
As conditions briefly improved, eight aircraft and 20 helicopters were able to operate periodically. Around 500 firefighters, 22 specialist forest units and 134 vehicles were deployed, supported by firefighting teams from France and Romania.
Two Bell firefighting helicopters collided near Psatha during the operation. A Danish pilot and a Greek liaison officer died, while the two occupants of the second aircraft suffered minor injuries.
Kefalonia villages threatened
A separate wildfire that began overnight near Pastra on Kefalonia spread rapidly through forest and agricultural land.
Strong winds divided the fire into two directions. One front moved toward Katelios and the coast, while another travelled toward Markopoulo before descending into the Eleios area and threatening Mavrata, Thiramona and Chionata.
Flames passed through cultivated fields and yards only meters from homes in Kremmydi, Markopoulo, Ano Katelios and Mavrata.
Residents and visitors were evacuated from several communities, while hotels and tourist accommodation in Katelios were cleared.
The response included 52 firefighters, three specialist forest units, volunteers and 12 vehicles, supported by two aircraft and one helicopter. Another 10 firefighters and five vehicles arrived by ferry from Kyllini.
By Sunday evening, crews were confronting one active front near Aleimmatas, while scattered hotspots remained elsewhere around the perimeter.
Winds ease before temperatures rise
The gradual weakening of Greece’s northerly winds should reduce the potential for extremely rapid fire spread during the first week of August.
Winds are expected to remain mostly between 2 and 5 Beaufort, locally reaching 6 Beaufort. However, dry vegetation, smouldering hotspots and partially contained fire fronts will continue to pose a threat.
As the northerly flow retreats, temperatures will begin rising. Attica reached around 30°C to 32°C (86°F to 90°F) on Sunday, while western mainland Greece approached 36°C (97°F).
Temperatures could reach approximately 38°C (100°F) between August 7 and 9. Forecasters do not currently expect a formal heat wave, with values likely to remain near or slightly above seasonal averages.
A Category 4, or very high, wildfire risk remains in force for Attica, Boeotia and Evia on Monday. The renewed wind increase means firefighters have only a narrow window to reinforce containment lines before conditions become more difficult again.
