Hundreds of people in central Greece were evacuated by sea on Friday, July 31st, 2026, after wildfires rapidly encircled the coastal town of Agios Vasileios in Viotia. Local media reported that around 500 people, mostly tourists, became trapped when the fire broke out in the morning and spread quickly due to strong winds.
According to Greek news agency Amna, citing fire officials, more than 200 people have already been evacuated and another 100 are expected to be taken by boat. Emergency workers are continuing efforts to safely remove those still in the town. Authorities had earlier instructed residents and visitors to move further inland before the fire reached the outskirts.
In addition to the fire near Agios Vasileios, another wildfire broke out further along the coast, burning through farmland and the rural town of Xironomi. Firefighters are also battling a large wildfire on the Greek island of Crete that started earlier in the week.
Greece is among several European countries facing devastating wildfires after successive heatwaves created favorable conditions for fires to spread.
Meanwhile, hundreds of firefighters in northern Portugal are combating a blaze near Valpaços that has destroyed approximately 15,000 hectares, including vineyards and olive groves, according to news agency Lusa citing officials. Firefighters in Spain continue to tackle extensive fires, with a new heatwave raising concerns about the risk of a major fire near Madrid reigniting.
The central Greece area where the fires broke out was considered particularly at risk due to high winds complicating firefighting efforts.
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