Dozens of Wildfires Burn in Greece and Turkey as Temperatures Soar – The New York Times
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Extreme heat is already ruining summer travel — and it’s only going to get worse
Greek authorities closed the Acropolis in Athens on Wednesday and Thursday during a sweltering midday heat wave. Temperatures soared above 104 degrees Fahrenheit across much of central and southern Greece this week. In Cyprus, a wave of heat-related wildfires has broken out near Paphos. In the US, potentially record-breaking heat is set to reach the East Coast by the end of the week. New York City is forecast to reach 90 degrees by Friday — just in time for the Big Apple’s busiest tourist season. But the perils of the climate crisis haven’t stopped people from flocking to places such as Italy, Croatia, and Greece — all countries that were afflicted by scorching heat last summer.
Rescuers helping a woman affected by high temperatures at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, on Wednesday. Costas Baltas/Anadolu via Getty Images
Rescuers helping a woman affected by high temperatures at the Acropolis in Athens, Greece, on Wednesday. Costas Baltas/Anadolu via Getty Images
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Summer travel is already under attack — and it’s technically still only spring.
Record-breaking temperatures and extreme weather events around the globe in recent days portend another blistering summer as the surge in travel after the height of the pandemic continues to climb.
Greek authorities closed the Acropolis in Athens on Wednesday and Thursday during a sweltering midday heat wave. Temperatures soared above 104 degrees Fahrenheit across much of central and southern Greece this week, resulting in all archeological sites in the Greek capital going dormant from midday to 5 p.m. local time, The Associated Press reported.
The Acropolis, Greece’s most popular tourist site, also closed last summer because of heat. But meteorologists said this week that this was the earliest heat wave recorded in Greek history, and the soaring temperatures have officials on high alert for potential wildfires.
Passengers stuck on board a Qatar Airways flight in Athens on Monday resorted to stripping as they sat in 95-degree heat with no air conditioning.
In Cyprus — one of Europe’s sunniest destinations — a wave of heat-related wildfires has broken out near Paphos. The island draws scores of tourists each summer, eager to explore Cyprus’ Roman ruins and beautiful beaches.
Further north, a holiday village in Turkey’s Antalya Province was battered by flames as temperatures surpassed 102 degrees Fahrenheit, Euronews reported.
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Meanwhile, torrential rains in parts of Spain wiped out crops in Murcia and grounded some flights on the popular tourist island of Mallorca, the outlet reported.
And the crisis is only likely to worsen as the summer drags on. Todd Crawford, the vice president of meteorology at Atmospheric G2, told The New York Times last month that the firm expected 2024 temperatures across Europe to be on par with heat levels on the continent in 2022 — the hottest summer ever recorded on the continent.
Crawford said July and August, especially, would be blistering throughout the world’s fastest-warming continent. But the perils of the climate crisis haven’t stopped people from flocking to places such as Italy, Croatia, and Greece — all countries that were afflicted by scorching heat last summer.
Sweltering summers aren’t a problem unique to Europe. The US is set to be smacked with life-threatening temperatures in the coming days, too.
Starting in the Southwest, potentially record-breaking heat is set to reach the East Coast by the end of the week. New York City is forecast to reach 90 degrees by Friday — just in time for the Big Apple’s busiest tourist season.
Travel chaos as wildfires tear through holiday hotspot and grounds flights leaving 100s of passengers stranded as Europe scorches… and Britain is set to hit record-breaking temperatures
Sweltering temperatures exceeded 40C (104F) across much of southern Europe over the weekend, with firefighters rallying to tackle blazes. Authorities from Spain to Portugal, Italy and France have urged people to seek shelter and protect the most vulnerable from the summer’s first major heatwave. A woman died after finishing her shift as a street sweeper in Barcelona on Saturday, with authorities investigating the cause. Portugal has advised people ‘not to go out’ during the hottest hours, reporting heat strokes and burns as the heatwave took hold. In neighbouring Spain, temperatures reached 46C (115F) in the south, with this month set to be the hottest June on record. To the east, Greece and Turkey have been hit hard by wildfires, causing chaos for tourists as hundreds of passengers were left stranded. A huge blaze broke out in Aude, near Toulouse, on Sunday, burning through some 400 hectares of land. Authorities believe the fire was caused by a poorly extinguished barbecue, and a suspect has been arrested.
Sweltering temperatures exceeded 40C (104F) across much of southern Europe over the weekend, with firefighters rallying to tackle blazes across the drying continent.
Authorities from Spain to Portugal, Italy and France have urged people to seek shelter and protect the most vulnerable from the summer’s first major heatwave.
Portugal has advised people ‘not to go out’ during the hottest hours, reporting heat strokes and burns as the heatwave took hold.
In neighbouring Spain, temperatures reached 46C (115F) in the south, with this month set to be the hottest June on record.
A woman died after finishing her shift as a street sweeper in Barcelona on Saturday, with authorities investigating the cause.
Italy, which is eyeing a regional ban on outdoor work while the heatwave persists, has also reported a spike in heatstroke cases, mostly affecting the elderly, cancer patients and homeless people.
The heat is expected to extend north and across other parts of western Europe early this week, with Paris on course for 39C and London receiving 35C today – the hottest day of the year so far.
A huge blaze broke out in Aude, near Toulouse, on Sunday, burning through some 400 hectares of land. Authorities believe the fire was caused by a poorly extinguished barbecue, and a suspect has been arrested.
To the east, Greece and Turkey have been hit hard by wildfires, causing chaos for tourists as hundreds of passengers were left stranded.
A huge fire ripped through the popular resort of Foça, İzmir, in Turkey before strong winds fanned the flames and sent it towards neighbourhoods and residential areas.
Huge fires broke out in Izmir, Turkey, causing travel chaos for hundreds of passengers
Residents watched on in horror as the fire spread into neighbourhoods
Hundreds of locals were evacuated from their homes as the inferno tore through residential buildings
One suspect has been accused of starting the fire when they allegedly set fire to their own house, and tinder-dry conditions saw the blaze spread at pace.
In the wake of the fire in Turkey, flights at İzmir Adnan Menderes Airport had closed temporarily as of 4pm local time on Sunday.
Hundreds of passengers have now been left stranded as a result of the blazes.
Planes were seen dumping large amounts of water over the infernos in an attempt to fight the blazes.
Residents watched in horror as their homes went up in flames while firefighters spent more than 22 hours tackling the huge blaze across İzmir.
The major emergency response involved 625 personnel, including six helicopters, 46 fire engines, nine bulldozers and 13 water supply vehicles.
Around 550 residents were evacuated from some 175 homes in Ilıpınar, Foça.
Four firefighters were reportedly affected by smoke poisoning, with two of them taken to hospital.
The exact cause of the fire remains unknown. Another suggestion is that the fire may have been caused by a high-voltage power line.
Governor Süleyman Elban urged residents to be cautious over the next few days.
He said low humidity and high temperatures could lead to more fires.
The governor said: ‘We expect the next four or five days to be very hot, with strong winds and low humidity. These conditions are perfect for a fire.
Firefighters spent more than 22 hours tackling the huge blaze across the town
Four firefighters were reportedly affected by smoke poisoning, with two of them taken to hospital
One suspect has been accused of starting the fire when they allegedly set fire to their own house
‘Everyone’s life is at stake. We must all be extremely cautious.’
Wildfires were also reported in Kahramanmaraş, Bursa, Sakarya, Bilecik, Gaziantep, Bolu and Manisa this week.
Environment Minister Murat Kurum said 23 houses and 47 units in 3 villages were destroyed in forest fires in Bilecik, while 41 houses and 25 barns and warehouses were also severely damaged.
It came as authorities from Spain to Portugal, Italy and France urged people to seek shelter and protect the most vulnerable from the summer’s first major heatwave.
Ambulances stood on standby near tourist hotspots as experts warned that such heatwaves, intensified by climate change, would become more frequent.
In Turkey, forest fires broke out Sunday afternoon in the western Izmir province, fed by strong winds, local media reported.
In France, meanwhile, wildfires broke out in the Corbieres area of Aude in the southwest, where temperatures topped 40C, forcing the evacuation of a campsite and abbey as a precaution.
The hottest place in the UK on Sunday was London’s St James’s Park – which hit a smouldering 31C.
The country’s weather service Meteo France put a record 84 out of its 101 regional departments on an orange heatwave alert – the second-highest – for Monday.
A wildfire blazes near to houses in Bizanet, southwest France
A wildfire breaks out over hills between Carrbridge and Grantown-on-Spey in Scotland
A firefighter pours water to cool down his colleague as they battle with a large wildfire burning on the Aegean island of Chios
A firefighting aircraft drops fire retardant over trees during a wildfire in southwest France
Firemen tackle a blaze at a chalet in the centre of the resort of Morgins, western Switzerland next to the French border
BOURNEMOUTH — People bask in the 31C heat in southern England today as they flocked to the town’s sandy beach, but things are about to get even hotter
EYENSFORD — People keep cool in the ford in River Darent as temperatures soar across the country
Spain’s weather service AEMET said temperatures in Extremadura and Andalusia, in the south and southwest, had reached up to 44C Sunday and issued a special warning amid the heatwave.
Several areas in the southern half of Portugal, including Lisbon, are under a red warning until Monday night, said the Portuguese Institute for Sea and Atmosphere (IPMA).
Two-thirds of Portugal was also on high alert Sunday for extreme heat and forest fires – as was the Italian island of Sicily, where firefighters tackled 15 blazes Saturday.
In Italy, 21 cities were on high alert for extreme heat, including Milan, Naples, Venice, Florence and Rome.
‘We were supposed to be visiting the Colosseum, but my mum nearly fainted,’ said British tourist Anna Becker, who had travelled to Rome from a ‘muggy, miserable’ Verona.
Hospital emergency departments across Italy have reported an uptick in heatstroke cases, according to Mario Guarino, vice president of the Italian Society of Emergency Medicine.
‘We’ve seen around a 10 percent increase, mainly in cities that not only have very high temperatures but also a higher humidity rate. It is mainly elderly people, cancer patients or homeless people, presenting with dehydration, heat stroke, fatigue,’ he said.
In Venice, authorities offered free guided tours for people over 75s in air-conditioned museums and public buildings. Meanwhile, temperatures are set to soar to 34C in the UK on Monday.
CUMBRIA — People cool off in the River Lune, in market town Kirkby Lonsdale
GERMANY — Children play in a fountain at Munich’s Karlsplatz square
GERMANY — A woman bathes in the sun next to a fountain at Munich’s Karlsplatz square
SPAIN — Tourists cool off under a cloud of mist at the Plaza de la Reina during a heat wave in Valencia
VATICAN CITY — People cool off with water from a fountain during a heatwave in Saint Peter’s Square
PORTUGAL — A man sunbathes near the Tagus River in Lisbon as a heat bomb hits Europe
Temperatures will soar to a searing hot 34C in the UK on Monday, forecasters say, as Europe swelters in a ‘heat dome’
Britain bathed in balmy 30C heat on Sunday to round off a sweltering weekend and there is set to be no relief overnight, with temperatures in England and Northern Ireland remaining in the late teens.
And things will get even toastier at the start of next week with the mercury reaching 26C in the southeast by 10am on Monday before hitting highs in the mid 30s by the afternoon.
A weather map shows that London and the southeast will experience the highest figures, with 31C expected in the Midlands and 28C in the northwest and west of the country.
The Met Office wrote on X: ‘Here is the 4cast for Monday. Hot across southeast England in particular with temperatures reaching 34 Celsius.’
The toasty temperatures will threaten the UK’s June record of 35.6C – set in the famously hot summer of 1976.
It comes after fires devastated towns in Greece, where some regions have had to declare a state of emergency.
On Thursday, a violent forest fire devastated several seaside towns east of Athens, damaging homes and prompting dozens of evacuations in a popular destination for Greek and foreign tourists.
The fire broke around 12.30pm local time (9.30am UK time) near the towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, around 30 miles east of Athens, and forced the evacuation of five villages, according to Greek firefighters.
A firefighting helicopter drops water while battling a blaze in the seaside area of Palaia Fokaia, south of Athens, Thursday, June 26, 2025
Thick smoke from a burning house fills the air as a wildfire burns in the coastal region of Palaia Fokaia, some 40km southeast of Athens, Greece, 26 June 2025
It comes on the heels of another fire on the island of Chios – Greece’s fifth-largest island – which as of Wednesday had destroyed more than 10,000 acres of land in four days.
Temperatures reached up to 40 degrees Celsius in the Athens region on Thursday, with forecasts indicating that the heatwave could continue until Saturday.
In the previous 24 hours, 45 fires had broken out in Greece, firefighters said.
Earlier this week, hundreds of firefighters backed up by aircraft were battling a wildfire burning out of control for the three days on the Greek island of Chios.
Towering walls of flames tore through forest and agricultural land on the island as reinforcements were hurried in from Athens, Thessaloniki and the nearby island of Lesbos.
By Tuesday morning, the fire department said 444 firefighters with 85 vehicles were tackling the blaze on scattered fronts.
Eleven helicopters and two water-dropping planes were providing air support.
Emergency services issued evacuation orders for villages and settlements in the area, when fires broke out near the island’s main town.
Firefighters try to tackle a wildfire burning on Chios island, Greece, June 23, 2025
A firefighting helicopter in action during wildfire operations on Chios Island
Greece has declared a state of emergency as wildfires burned for the third day in the island of Chios
Apocalyptic scenes captured in images and videos showed firefighters battling the flames as the wildfires raged on, while thick plumes of black smoke filled the sky.
Other footage showed helicopters spraying water over smoke-filled fields.
The fire department has sent an arson investigation team to Chios to examine the cause of the blaze.
‘We are faced with simultaneous fires in multiple, geographically unconnected parts of the island – a pattern that cannot be considered coincidental,’ Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said Monday from Chios.
Authorities, he said, were ‘very seriously examining the possibility of an organized criminal act, in other words arson.’
The minister said police forces on the island had been reinforced, while military patrols had been doubled.
‘Whoever thinks that they can play with the lives of citizens and cause chaos with premeditated actions will be led to court,’ Kefalogiannis said.
‘Arson is a serious crime and will be dealt with as such.’
Dozens of Wildfires Burn in Greece and Turkey as Temperatures Soar
Evacuation orders were issued for several towns over the weekend, including from a village near Athens. Officials say the fire had been contained but warned that swirling embers threatened to rekindle the blaze.
In Greece, evacuation orders were issued for several towns over the weekend, including from a village near Athens. Officials said on Sunday that the fire had been contained but warned that swirling embers threatened to rekindle the blaze.
Temperatures have soared, reaching close to 111 degrees Fahrenheit, or 44 degrees Celsius, on parts of the Greek mainland on Saturday before cooling slightly on Sunday.
The fire service would not have been able to cope if “there had been another two or three fires like the one near Athens,” Vassilis Vathrakoyiannis, Greece’s fire service spokesman, said in an interview.
Europe heatwave: Temperatures to soar in Greece as fires still burn
Temperatures expected to soar to 44C on Saturday and 45C on Sunday. Forecasters say it could be Greece’s hottest July weekend in 50 years. Firefighters continue to battle dozens of wildfires across the country. Officials fear this could be the worst heatwave since the summer of 1987, when hundreds of deaths were linked to the extreme weather. The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to carbon emissions. Spain and Italy are among the Mediterranean countries which have also experienced intense heat this week, while parts of the US are also seeing records broken.
21 July 2023 Share Save Share Save
Getty Images In Athens, Hellenic Red Cross workers have been distributing water bottles to keep people hydrated
Greece is bracing for more intense heat this weekend, with meteorologists warning that temperatures could climb as high as 45C (113F).
People have been advised to stay home, and tourist sites – including Athens’ ancient Acropolis – will be shut during the hottest parts of the next two days.
It could turn into Greece’s hottest July weekend in 50 years, one of the country’s top meteorologists says.
Meanwhile, firefighters are continuing to battle dozens of wildfires.
Emergencies and civil protection officials are warning of a very high risk of new blazes across the country.
Western Attica – just west of Athens – is among the worst-hit areas, along with Laconia in the southern Peloponnese and the island of Rhodes.
Greece’s EU partners have provided help, including firefighting planes from France and Italy and more than 200 firefighters from Poland, Slovakia, Romania and Bulgaria. Neighbouring Turkey is also sending some aircraft to help.
Greece – like a number of other European countries – saw a prolonged spell of extreme heat earlier this month.
The latest heatwave comes at one of the busiest times for the country’s tourism industry.
In its latest bulletin, the Hellenic National Meteorological Service (HNMS) warns that central and eastern regions of Greece are likely to see temperatures reaching 44C on Saturday.
And it forecasts an even hotter Sunday, with 45C possible in central Greece.
“This weekend risks being the hottest registered in July in the past 50 years,” said Panagiotis Giannopoulos, a meteorologist with state broadcaster ERT, quoted by AFP news agency.
“Athens is going to have temperatures above 40C for six to seven days, through to the end of July,” he added.
After a slight drop on Monday a new heat surge is expected on Tuesday.
Officials fear this could be the worst heatwave since the summer of 1987, when hundreds of deaths were linked to the extreme weather.
Across Greece, a number of people have already lost their homes to wildfires. In one region, several villages have been consumed by the blazes.
One man told the BBC he did not even have a bed to sleep on anymore, and was now living in a hotel.
Climate change increases the risk of the hot, dry weather that is likely to fuel wildfires. The world has already warmed by about 1.1C since the industrial era began and temperatures will keep rising unless governments around the world make steep cuts to carbon emissions.
Spain and Italy are among the Mediterranean countries which have also experienced intense heat this week, while parts of the US are also seeing records broken.
Latest Foreign Office advice for Croatia, Portugal, Greece and Turkey amid wildfires
Latest Foreign Office advice for Croatia, Portugal, Greece and Turkey amid wildfires. Information about the risks of travel is often shared by the Foreign Office. Wildfires can burn in forests, grasslands, savannas, and other ecosystems. Starting a fire, even if it is by accident is illegal and gets a fine or a prison sentence. People are being urged to ensure their mobile phones are registered to receive emergency alerts about wildfires near their location. To avoid starting wildfires, especially starting a wildfire, especially leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires. Tourists are encouraged to “be cautious” if you are in an area that has been affected by wildfires. The Foreign Office said there is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry. It states: “Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.” It also advises you should contact your travel provider and your insurer if you’re involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad.
Information about the risks of travel is often shared by the Foreign Office
A generic plane (Image: PA)
The Foreign Office has updated advice about wildfires in many European countries in June and July. The Government department is responsible for protecting and promoting British interests worldwide, it aims to support British nationals and those who are planning a holiday abroad.
Advice about the risks of travel is often shared by the Foreign Office, this helps people make informed decisions about their trip and to stay safe. As temperatures soar across parts of Europe, risks of wildfires increase in certain areas and countries are already experiencing devastation from the fires.
The Foreign Office has shared advice about what to do if a wildfire happens when you are in Greece, Portugal, Turkey and Croatia. A wildfire is an uncontrolled fire that burns in the wildland vegetation, often in rural areas. Wildfires can burn in forests, grasslands, savannas, and other ecosystems.
Wildfires can start with a natural occurrence, such as a lightning strike or by a human-made spark. However, it is often the weather conditions that determine how much a wildfire grows. Below is the latest Foreign Office advice:
Croatia
The Foreign Office has warned of wildfires in Croatia. The country is a popular destination for holidaymakers and boasts beautiful coastlines, historic towns and warm weather.
Tourism has increased in Croatia in recent years and it is now among the most visited holiday destinations in Europe. A new update from the travel agency is on the safety and security page for the country on Gov.uk.
It states: “Wildfires are common during Croatia’s hot and dry summers. They can be highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Take care when visiting or driving through woodland and forest areas.
“If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.” Tourists are encouraged to “be cautious” if you are in an area that has been affected by wildfires.
You should follow the advice of the local authorities and emergency services and call the Croatian emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger.
Intentionally causing a fire is illegal in Croatia and you could be fined 2,000 to 20,000 euros, or even given a prison sentence. The Foreign Office says you can also be fined for unintentionally causing a fire.
To avoid starting wildfires the government department advises that you leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires. You shouldn’t light barbecues as from June to October it is illegal to set outdoor fires and barbecues except in designated areas.
Tourists and locals should properly extinguish cigarette ends and do not leave any rubbish behind, particularly empty bottles, as these are known to start fires. Fines in these cases have ranged from 260 to 1,200 euros.
The Foreign Office advises you should contact your travel provider and your insurer if you’re involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Portugal
The wildfire alert for Portugal was also shared by the travel agency. Portugal is one of the most popular hotspots for holidaymakers to jet off to with millions making the journey each year to the Iberian peninsula.
The Foreign Office said there is an increased risk of wildfires from April to October when the weather is hot and dry. It states: “Wildfires can start anywhere in Portugal. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The Portuguese authorities may evacuate areas and close roads for safety reasons.”
The Foreign Office explains that you should check the fire risk index for your location and familiarise yourself with local safety and emergency procedures. In addition, you should follow the advice of the Portuguese authorities and call the emergency services on 112 if you see a fire. Starting a fire, even if it is by accident, is illegal and you could get a fine or a prison sentence.
For information about active wildfires and forecasts, visit the Portuguese Met Office website for information on Portugal and Madeira.
Greece
The Foreign Office says that there is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October in Greece. People are being urged to ensure their mobile phones are registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near their location.
Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable, the situation can change quickly. Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.
Advice about how to avoid starting a wildfire has been shared: To avoid starting wildfires:
leave no litter, especially not glass which is known to start fires
make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished
do not light barbecues
It comes as hundreds of people have been evacuated as a major wildfire continues to burn on the Greek island of Crete. A fast-moving wildfire whipped by gale-force winds burned through the night and into Thursday on Greece’s southern island of Crete, last week.
More than 1,500 people from hotels and homes were evacuated as a result of the wildfire. Homes were reported to have been damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, carried by strong winds.
Turkey
The travel department says: “You could get a fine or prison sentence for lighting a fire of any kind or discarding cigarettes in risk areas such as woodland.” Tourists and locals are urged to “look out” for signs that tell you if fires, barbeques, and smoking are prohibited.
If you see a wildfire, you should call emergency services on 112. 112 is the primary emergency number in Turkey. It dials police, fire, medical, and other emergencies.
Extreme temperatures can affect many areas of Turkey over the summer months. Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO).
Fires have broken out on Turkey’s west coast, the latest in a series of blazes which started in late June. At least five fires have been reported in Izmir after extreme heat, strong winds and low humidity.
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The Foreign Office advises that before you travel you should check that your destination can provide the healthcare you may need and you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation.