A fast-moving wildfire on Kefalonia forced evacuations as aircraft conducted water drops over the Ionian island. Near Athens, a separate fire spread toward communities and an industrial area outside Megara, with strong gusts preventing some aerial water scooping. Nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft were deployed, but gale-force winds pushed flames through dry forest and hampered containment. Evacuations were ordered for Kandili, Agia Skepi and Toutouli, with Porto Germeno singled out as a major concern.
Gale-Driven Wildfires Force Evacuations on Kefalonia; Blazes Threaten Areas Near Athens
Wildfires force evacuations on Greek island of Kefalonia
A fast-moving wildfire on the Greek island of Kefalonia forced residents to evacuate on Sunday as flames pushed dangerously close to homes and firefighting aircraft carried out water drops over the Ionian island.
In western Attica, near Athens, a separate blaze spread toward local communities and an industrial district outside Megara. Violent gusts prevented some aircraft from scooping water at sea, complicating aerial operations and slowing containment efforts.
Authorities mobilized nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft to fight the multiple fires, but gale‑force winds drove flames through dry forest and severely hampered the response. Smoke rose across the mountains as crews worked to protect populated areas.
Evacuation orders were issued for the villages of Kandili, Agia Skepi and Toutouli. Crews expressed particular concern for the coastal town of Porto Germeno, where shifting winds and the proximity of the fire posed an elevated risk to homes and infrastructure.
Update: The situation remains fluid. Figures and operational details are those reported by authorities at the time and may change as crews continue their response.
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