Intense Wildfires Erupt in Greece, Turkey, and Albania Amid Crisis

As wildfires ravage parts of Greece, Turkey, and Albania, more than 1,100 firefighters are engaged in an urgent battle against the flames, which have been exacerbated by severe drought conditions and soaring temperatures. On July 27, 2025, authorities reported that over 50 wildfires erupted in Greece within a 24-hour period, prompting evacuations in several suburbs of Athens, particularly in Kryoneri, located approximately 20 kilometers northeast of the capital.

In Turkey, a politician from Bursa described the harrowing scene as "an apocalypse," as dense smoke and flames engulfed vast areas of forest land. The Turkish government declared disaster zones in the provinces of Izmir and Bilecik following a series of wildfires that have persisted for weeks. Ibrahim Yamukli, Turkey's Minister of Forestry, announced that firefighters were combatting 76 separate blazes, with a reported death of a firefighter from a heart attack during operations in Bursa. This area has seen a mass evacuation of nearly 1,800 residents as they fled from the advancing fires.

The intense heat has reached alarming levels, with temperatures peaking at 50.5 degrees Celsius (123 degrees Fahrenheit) in Sirnak province, marking a record high for Turkey. Tragic reports indicate that fourteen individuals, including ten rescue volunteers and forestry workers, have lost their lives in recent weeks due to these devastating fires.

In Greece, fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis emphasized the rapid spread of the wildfires under current dry and windy conditions. Emergency services have treated at least five individuals, primarily elderly residents with respiratory issues, for burns and smoke inhalation. The fire service has received international support, with teams dispatched from the Czech Republic to assist in combating blazes on the island of Evia and in other affected areas.

Albania is not exempt from the wildfire crisis, with 26 fires reported across the nation on July 26. A significant blaze near Delvina led to the evacuation of approximately 2,000 residents and resulted in injuries to three individuals. Kosovo has also been affected, with firefighters successfully extinguishing 17 fires while 12 others remain active.

The combination of extreme weather conditions and ongoing wildfires raises serious concerns about the environmental impact and public safety in these regions. Local authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant and heed evacuation orders as the situation continues to evolve. The EU's response, including requests for additional firefighting resources, highlights the urgency of the crisis. As the fires rage on, the full extent of the damage and the road to recovery remains uncertain.