Gale-force winds have fanned expanding wildfires across parts of Greece, prompting large-scale evacuations and emergency alerts, even as France reports that its worst blazes in decades are now largely under control.
Rapidly shifting conditions drive urgent response in Greece
Hundreds of firefighters, supported by water-dropping aircraft and helicopters, worked alongside local emergency teams to protect the coastal resort of Porto Germeno on the Gulf of Corinth after flames were driven through the area by strong winds on Saturday.
According to international reports, the fire began on Friday near the nearby village of Agios Vasileios and spread rapidly. Authorities evacuated about 300 people by sea from Porto Germeno, and additional evacuation orders were issued for surrounding communities. A Greek wildfire meteorologist, Theodore Giannaros of the National Observatory of Athens, estimated that between 39 and 50 sq km (15–19 square miles) had been affected, although officials had not provided a formal figure for the burned area.
“Overall, the fires are now under control in our country,”
Meanwhile, in France the situation has stabilised, according to senior ministers. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu said the country’s recent major blazes are "today under control", and Interior Minister Laurent Nunez indicated that containment efforts have held in hard-hit departments such as Var and Gironde.
Evacuations, alerts and a widening front
Greek authorities issued emergency alerts for several locations and warned of extreme wildfire risk across regions including Attica and Evia. Reports suggest the fire in Porto Germeno split into multiple fronts, with homes ignited in several settlements and orders issued for towns including Agia Paraskevi, Kryo Pigadi and Agios Nektarios.
On-the-ground responders faced challenging conditions: strong winds both fanned flames and complicated aerial firefighting operations. Emergency services used sea evacuation where roads were threatened, exemplifying the difficult choices faced when fire reaches populated coastal zones.
| Item | Reported figure |
|---|---|
| People evacuated by sea (Porto Germeno) | 300 |
| Estimated area affected (National Observatory of Athens) | 39–50 km² |
Regional picture: relief in parts of France, but heightened risk remains
Officials reported that major fires in France and Spain are either not advancing or are under control after intense firefighting efforts. In Gironde — the site of France’s largest recent wildfire since 1949 — ministers described the situation as more stable following days of work to hold containment lines and protect communities.
But even where blazes have been driven back, risks persist. Fire behaviour can change quickly with shifting winds, and the combination of dry vegetation and high temperatures means vigilance remains necessary across southern Europe.
- What residents should do: heed evacuation orders immediately and follow instructions from emergency services.
- If you are in an impacted area: keep windows and vents closed, prepare an emergency kit, and identify safe evacuation routes that avoid downwind areas.
- For holidaymakers: monitor local authority updates and be ready to change plans if conditions deteriorate.
As climate-driven extremes increase the frequency and intensity of wildfire seasons, rapid responses from firefighting services, clear public messaging and community preparedness remain essential to limit harm. The current events underline the need for ongoing coordination between ground crews, aerial resources and civil protection agencies while residents and visitors follow official guidance.
We will continue to monitor official updates from Greek and French authorities and provide further weather and safety advice as the situation develops.
