What is the name and location of the wildfire?

As of August 13, 2024, a large fire is burning in the northern suburbs of Athens, Greece (1)(2). It originated near Lake Marathon, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of Athens and spread across Mount Penteli. Thousands of people have been evacuated from the region, and one person has been killed by the fire (3).

The fire broke out due to a combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and strong winds, which have been exacerbated by climate change. Greece has experienced record-breaking temperatures this summer, creating ideal conditions for wildfires.

Which cities or areas are affected by the wildfire?

The wildfire has severely impacted multiple areas, including several suburbs north of Athens, such as:

• Dionysos
• Nea Penteli
• Vrilissia

The fire is burning within 15 kilometers (9 miles) of the city center. Other affected regions include the towns of Varnavas and Marathon, a historical site.

The National Observatory of Athens and various residential and industrial areas have also been threatened by the fire, with several homes and businesses reported destroyed.

What is the current containment status of the wildfire?

The wildfire no longer has any active, advancing fronts, thanks to the efforts of firefighters and a temporary reduction in wind speeds. However, there are still many scattered hotspots that require ongoing attention.

Firefighters are working tirelessly to extinguish these areas, with the support of reinforcements from several European countries. Despite the progress, the situation remains precarious due to the potential for winds to intensify again.

Are there any evacuation orders or alerts in place?

Authorities have issued multiple evacuation orders across more than 30 areas, including the suburbs of Vrilissia, Nea Penteli, and Dionysos. Critical facilities such as three hospitals, two monasteries, and a children's home were evacuated as a precaution.

Residents in these areas, as well as in other towns and villages, received emergency alerts via cell phones, instructing them to evacuate immediately. Evacuation centers and emergency services have been mobilized to assist those displaced by the fire.

How can I protect myself from wildfire smoke?

Always plan ahead to protect yourself from wildfire smoke.

• Get a free air quality app for real-time air quality alerts and forecasts.
• Shut doors and windows and set the HVAC to recirculate mode.
• Run a high-performance air purifier to filter wildfire smoke.
• Contribute to your community’s outdoor air quality data.
• Stay indoors; if you do need to go outdoors, wear a KN95/FFP2 mask.