Critical situation in Greece: Evacuations and massive wildfires near Athens

05.08.2026 | Natural disasters

Forest fires continue to rage in Greece. Villages near Athens have been evacuated, 12,600 hectares have been destroyed, and the risk of new outbreaks remains high.

Снимка от Paulo SP/ Wikimedia, Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)

Severe wildfire situation near Athens

Authorities in Greece have issued new evacuation orders for the village of Psatha and surrounding areas after a wildfire, burning for the fourth consecutive day, flared up again. The flames reached residential buildings, causing serious material damage.

Over 12,600 hectares of forest have been destroyed – one of the last green zones near the Greek capital.

Scale of the disaster and forecasts

Meanwhile, a new fire broke out near Lambia on the Peloponnese peninsula, which necessitated the closure of part of the regional highway. The industrial park in the city of Megara was also evacuated as a precautionary measure. The situation remains critical, despite a slight easing of the winds.