A large wildfire broke out on June 16, 2025, in the Ano Souli forest area near Marathon, northeast of Athens, Greece, prompting urgent evacuations and a major emergency response. Fueled by dry vegetation and moderate winds, the blaze rapidly advanced, putting communities at risk.
Timeline of the Incident
The fire ignited at approximately 13:30 local time and quickly spread through parched forestland, triggering two emergency alerts:
- Residents of Ano Souli were ordered to evacuate toward Grammatiko.
- Residents of Marathon were directed to evacuate toward Nea Makri.
To ensure safety, authorities suspended vehicle traffic on roads including Monastiriou Street, between Grammatiko Avenue and Ano Souli.
BREAKING: A major fire is raging out of control. The situation is extremely critical.
— Weather Monitor (@WeatherMonitors) June 16, 2025
Location: Marathon, Attica, Greece pic.twitter.com/VRWkRGIiOg
Firefighting Response
The Hellenic Fire Service launched a large-scale operation involving:
- 140 firefighters
- 38 fire engines
- 5 ground teams
- 10 fixed-wing aircraft and 7 helicopters
- Volunteer units and municipal water tankers
- Earth-moving equipment for creating fire breaks
Firefighting reinforcements arrived from surrounding regions to support containment efforts.
Impact on Communities
As of the latest reports, the wildfire had not reached homes or the Monastery of Saint Raphael, a key site near the fire zone. No injuries or structural damage have been reported. Favorable wind changes later in the day helped bring much of the fire front under control.
Red Alert for Wildfire Danger
The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued a red alert for extreme wildfire danger in Attica and other regions. Recent high temperatures, low humidity, and prolonged dry conditions have created a volatile environment for wildfires across much of southern Greece.
What’s Next
Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and follow evacuation directives as the situation evolves. Local fire crews are continuing containment and monitoring operations through the night to prevent flare-ups.
