Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of two settlements on Evia Island on Saturday, June 20, 2026, and deployed dozens of firefighters, planes, and helicopters to combat a major wildfire that has been exacerbated by strong northerly winds.
Firefighting Resources Deployed
According to a statement from the country's firefighting department, 88 firefighters and volunteers were working to extinguish the blaze. The aerial assault included eight firefighting aircraft and six helicopters, all tasked with containing the fire and protecting the threatened communities.
Evacuations and Wind Conditions
Authorities asked residents of two endangered communities to evacuate as the fire approached. The firefighting department reported that strong northerly winds were causing new fires to ignite, hampering containment efforts and increasing the risk to populated areas.
Regional Wildfire Context
Greece and other Mediterranean countries are situated in a region considered a wildfire hotspot by scientists. Blazes are common during hot and dry summers, but recent years have seen more destructive fires due to a fast-changing climate. This trend has prompted calls for a new approach to wildfire management and prevention.
