Greek Wildfires: Hundreds Evacuated by Sea as Fires Rage Across Europe

Sun Sep 06 2026 14:18:12 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Hundreds flee from blazes in Greece; fire crews battle wildfires in Spain, Portugal and Turkey amid intense heatwaves.

A sudden wildfire near Agios Vasileios in central Greece forced about 500 people, mostly tourists, to evacuate by sea as fierce winds fueled the blaze. While Greek firefighters fight multiple fires on the mainland and the island of Crete, Spain and Portugal report thousands of hectares burned, and Turkey faces five active fires along its Mediterranean coast. The latest heatwave has worsened conditions across Europe, turning dry vegetation into fire‑fuel that spreads rapidly. Local authorities urge residents inland and continue rescue efforts while monitoring for new outbreaks.

Greek Wildfires: Hundreds Evacuated by Sea as Fires Rage Across Europe

Hundreds of people in central Greece are being evacuated by sea after the coastal town of Agios Vasileios was surrounded by a rapidly spreading wildfire.

Around 500 people, mainly tourists, were left stranded when the fire broke out on Friday morning and quickly spread under strong winds. Local media report another fire ignited further along the coast, while Crete battles a large blaze that injured crews and forced the evacuation of 8,000 people.

Greece sits at the most at‑risk area due to high winds that hamper firefighting efforts. More than 200 people have already been evacuated and another 100 are set to be taken by boat, according to Greek news agency AMNA, citing fire officials. Those still in town are being moved inland as authorities warn residents to leave before the flames reach the outskirts.

Recurrent wildfires across the Mediterranean include serious blazes in Spain, covering over 200,000 hectares so far this year—more than five times the average for this time of year—and in Portugal, where a 15,000‑hectare fire damaged vineyards and olive groves. Spanish reports state that the largest recorded wildfire has stabilized, while the risk of re‑ignition remains high until at least Sunday.

Four active fires are also reported along Turkey’s Mediterranean coastline, including near the popular tourist center of Antalya. Reports indicate that 206 wildfires have struck the country since Wednesday, signalling a worrying trend for the season.

These incidents underscore how human activity, whether accidental or deliberate, combined with climate change creates perfect conditions for large‑scale fire outbreaks in the region.