Forest fire in Athens devastates suburbs and triggers evacuation alerts.

An intense wildfire is advancing uncontrollably on the outskirts north of Athens, threatening suburbs and prompting multiple evacuation orders. Since it began last Sunday afternoon, the fire has destroyed homes and businesses, as well as generating a dense layer of smoke that has spread over the center of the Greek capital. The situation has become critical, as the efforts of hundreds of firefighters, supported by numerous aircraft dropping water, are being hampered by strong winds. Recent data indicates that the fire has affected approximately 10,000 hectares of land, with flames reaching heights of over 25 meters. The magnitude of this emergency has led Greece to request international assistance, activating the European Civil Protection Mechanism. Countries such as France, Italy, the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Spain have offered support by sending firefighting teams, planes, and helicopters to aid in extinguishing the fire. The situation is worsening as authorities report 15 people injured, most of them due to smoke inhalation. Hospitals in the region are on alert for a potential increase in injuries, and three hospitals have been evacuated, including one for children, as well as two monasteries and a center for minors. The desperate situation has led authorities to issue more than 30 evacuation alerts to residents via their mobile phones. The testimonies from neighbors are concerning. Spyros Gorilas, a resident of Dioni, describes a terrifying experience: "The wind was blowing in one direction and then in another. The smoke was suffocating. I couldn't see anything." His account illustrates the urgency and danger faced by those trying to protect their homes while the fire consumes everything in its path. The fire has reignited more than 40 times in areas where it seemed to have subsided. Weather conditions, marked by successive heatwaves during the summer and an unusually dry winter, have contributed to the rapid spread of the flames. This situation has led authorities to classify the emergency as exceptionally dangerous, and the head of the firefighters' union in Greece, Nikos Lavranos, has expressed the fatigue of rescue teams that have been working intensely for months. The deployment of resources is significant, with over 700 firefighters and 27 specialized firefighting teams, supported by armed forces and more than 190 vehicles. Additionally, 17 planes and 16 helicopters have been mobilized to provide aerial support in the fight against the flames. However, authorities are aware that the challenge is monumental, as the fire advances on two fronts, and there are areas of difficult access that complicate extinguishing efforts. The Coast Guard has also been involved, diverting ferries from the port of Rafina to Lavrion due to the proximity of the fire. At the same time, sports centers and hotel rooms have been set up to accommodate evacuees. The response has been coordinated, with the participation of 380 police officers who have assisted in the evacuations, some even transporting elderly individuals to safety amid the chaotic situation. Meteorologists have warned of an increased risk of fires, and half of the country is on red alert. This underscores the severity of the environmental crisis facing Greece, a country that has seen a significant rise in the frequency and intensity of wildfires in recent years, exacerbated by climate change. The memory of the devastating fire in Mati in 2018, which left over 100 dead, remains present in the collective consciousness of the Greeks. This year, other fires have claimed lives, including 20 deaths last year, highlighting the urgent need for effective measures to protect both people and the environment. Amid this crisis, it is evident that the fight against wildfires in Greece is a challenge that requires not only local efforts but also international collaboration, adequate resources, and a comprehensive approach to mitigate the impact of climate change. As the fire continues its destructive path, there is hope that rain and a change in weather conditions may provide relief in the days to come.