CORINTH, Greece – A significant forest fire broke out near the Greek city of Corinth on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, leading authorities to order the evacuation of several villages as firefighters battled the blaze under challenging weather conditions.
More than 180 firefighters, supported by 15 planes and 12 helicopters, were deployed to tackle the wildfire raging in a pine forest in the mountains near Corinth. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
The firefighting efforts were complicated by a severe heatwave gripping the country, with temperatures soaring to approximately 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) in many areas.
Earlier on Tuesday, a firefighting helicopter crashed into the sea and sank while attempting to collect water to combat a separate fire near Athens. Fortunately, all three crew members were rescued and transported to a hospital.
Wildfires are a frequent occurrence in Greece during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has responded to dozens across the country this year. The country has been particularly vulnerable to such events, with factors like rapid urbanization, rural land abandonment, changes in land use, and prolonged droughts exacerbated by climate change contributing to the increasing frequency and intensity of fires.
The memory of the devastating 2018 Mati fire remains fresh, when a massive blaze swept through the seaside town east of Athens, trapping residents and resulting in over 100 fatalities, including some who drowned while attempting to escape.