**Firefighters Battle Wildfire in Western Attica as Blaze Expands to Over 130 Square Kilometers**
Hundreds of firefighters are engaged in a relentless battle against a massive wildfire that has engulfed more than 130,000 stremmas (approximately 130 square kilometers) in western Attica, Greece. The fire, which began in the neighboring region of Boeotia on Friday, July 31, has led to the tragic loss of two helicopter crew members due to a mid-air collision during firefighting operations.
Throughout the night, ground crews focused on containing scattered flare-ups across a vast fire front. The Greek fire service reported that efforts were concentrated on three main fronts: the northern and northeastern sections opposite Psatha, the southwestern area between Psatha and Loumpa, and the southern front stretching from Kandili towards Megara.
As of Monday, approximately 450 firefighters, supported by 126 fire engines and 22 specialist forest firefighting teams, were deployed to combat the blaze. Volunteers and water tankers also played a crucial role in the firefighting efforts. To enhance their capabilities, earth-moving machinery provided by the regions of Attica and Central Greece, along with the Directorate for Construction and Natural Disaster Response, worked in conjunction with the forestry service to create firebreaks.
Aerial firefighting operations have been significant, with 34 aircraft involved, including 23 fixed-wing planes and 11 helicopters, three of which were designated for coordination purposes. The armed forces’ “Deucalion” disaster response unit has also contributed to the firefighting efforts, demonstrating a coordinated response to the crisis.
The wildfire's rapid expansion has resulted in the destruction of homes and properties, causing significant concern among local communities. The Copernicus Emergency Management Service, in collaboration with the National Observatory of Athens’ Meteo.gr team, conducted satellite analysis indicating that by 12:16 PM on Monday, the fire had burned over 130,000 stremmas across both Attica and Boeotia. The analysis revealed that approximately 30,900 stremmas were affected in Boeotia, while around 102,000 stremmas were impacted by the Porto Germeno fire in Attica, which remains active.
In the aftermath of the fire, government inspection teams have been deployed to assess the damage in the affected areas. Deputy Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Costas Katsafados, has been actively involved in coordination meetings to streamline the response efforts. Authorities have also issued warnings regarding a very high wildfire risk in Attica, as well as in the regional units of Evia and Chios, urging residents and visitors to remain vigilant.
The Greek fire service remains on nationwide alert, as multiple ongoing incidents and adverse weather conditions continue to pose challenges to firefighting efforts. The situation remains dynamic, with firefighters and emergency services working tirelessly to contain the blaze and mitigate further damage.
As the community rallies together in the face of this disaster, the commitment of firefighters, volunteers, and government officials highlights the collective effort to combat the wildfire and support those affected by its devastating impact.