Travel Warnings Issued for European Holidaymakers Amid Spreading Wildfires in Greece and Portugal

Wildfires have been sweeping Europe for over a month, destroying thousands of acres and prompting widespread evacuations. Extreme heat has gripped the Mediterranean and Balkans, with temperatures consistently exceeding 40°C, exacerbating the fire conditions.

Smoke rises over the Parthenon temple during a wildfire near Athens (Picture: Getty)

Greece
In Greece, a fast-moving wildfire has pushed dangerously close to the centre of Athens. Fueled by gale-force winds, the blaze has darkened the sky with thick smoke and reached residential areas, including the suburb of Dionysos. Since it began on Sunday near Varnavas, about 20 miles north of Athens, more than 560 firefighters, 17 waterbombing planes, and 15 helicopters have been deployed to combat the fire.

Wildfires are reaching closer and closer to the Greek capital (Picture: Metro.co.uk)

Firefighters worked through the night to extinguish the flames (Picture: Reuters)

Multiple homes have burnt down in Varnavas, north of Athens (Picture: AFP)

Flames were seen approaching houses at Penteli Mount, northeast Attica (Picture: EPA)

The flames have led to the evacuation of at least 11 towns, villages, and three hospitals. The fire has devastated homes, vehicles, and woodland, burning up to 25 meters high. The blaze spreads rapidly to several areas, including Grammatiko, Marathon, Nea Makri, and Mount Penteli. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has returned to Athens from a break on Crete to oversee the firefighting efforts. Greece faces its hottest summer following a warm winter and prolonged drought conditions. Authorities remain on high alert through Thursday.

Portugal
In northeastern Portugal, a wildfire has ravaged approximately 26 miles of land in the Montesinho Natural Park. The fire, which began late Sunday night, has painted the sky red and orange as it continues to burn. With around 9,000 residents in the area, it is currently unclear how many have been displaced. Firefighters and volunteers are working to control the blaze, fueled by strong winds.

🚨 #Brif Laza actuando en incendio 🔥 zona de Villardeciervos.
Sexta intervención de la campaña, equipo formado por 17 bomberos forestales 🧑‍🚒 y dos helicópteros 🚁🚁.
Así se encuentra a nuestra llegada. pic.twitter.com/Fa6rPrtryD

— Diario de un Bombero (@BrifLaza) August 11, 2024

Spain
Spain remains under an excessive heat warning as temperatures reach 37°C. The heatwave and low rainfall have led to water usage restrictions in several towns. Authorities have urged residents to use water responsibly, with restrictions including a ban on filling swimming pools. Affected towns include Toras, El Toro, and Barracas in Castellon province.

Bulgaria
Bulgaria is facing the most severe wildfire crisis among EU member states in 2024. The European Forest Fire Information System reports that around 38,000 hectares have burned, more than double the area affected in 2023. Firefighting teams from Greece, France, the Czech Republic, Sweden, and Spain have been deployed to assist with the crisis.

As wildfires continue to rage, the extreme weather linked to climate change has made these events more frequent and intense, impacting communities and natural landscapes across Europe.