Wildfires in the suburbs of Athens, Greece suburbs that cast a smoky orange pall over the Parthenon have been brought under control, but the country remains on alert as high temperatures and dangerously dry conditions persist.
Reuters reported that the mid-August fires, fueled by temperatures that reached 104ºF, burned through about 24,000 acres of forest north of Athens, destroying homes and killing one person. The blaze was centered around the coastal area of Nea Makri and Marathon.
Firefighters have contained the wildfires but are guarding against new outbreaks.
After Athens Fires, the City is Open for Business
“The city of Athens remains safe and welcoming,” said Tina Toribaba, public relations manager for This Is Athens, the city’s official online destination guide. “The fires affected suburban areas and were brought under control thanks to the swift response of our firefighters. We encourage travel agents to confidently plan and proceed with trips to Athens, knowing that the city’s iconic attractions, vibrant culture, and rich history remain unaffected and ready to be enjoyed.”
Wildfires are a normal part of summer around Athens, although experts say that climate change has made the blazes more intense. The U.S. State Department, for example, advises travelers to Greece that “forest fires are common, especially during the dry summer months, and occasionally cause road closures.” And the British Foreign Office cautions, “There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October.”
For official advice regarding travel to Athens in the context of wildfires, travel advisors should refer to the latest updates from the Greek Civil Protection and local authorities. They provide real-time information and guidance on safety measures, evacuation routes, and other critical information. For further information and updates, visit the official website of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.
