On Sunday, two Greek firefighting helicopters collided while combating a wildfire west of Athens. This incident underscored the dangers faced by those battling Europe’s wildfire crisis. The collision resulted in one helicopter crashing, but all four crew members were later retrieved. Two were safe, while others were found unconscious.
The collision occurred amid strong winds, which pushed flames deeper into the region around Athens. These winds complicated firefighting efforts and prompted evacuations. Flames spread through western Attica and near Megara, threatening communities and industrial areas, as aircraft struggled to collect water due to violent gusts.
Recent fires echo past tragedies, such as the 2018 Mati wildfire, where 104 people lost their lives. In other parts of Europe, the situation remains urgent. France’s largest wildfire, although contained, still threatens communities after displacing 224,000 people. Similarly, Spain managed to halt its major fires, but remains vigilant as flare-ups are still possible.
“A pristine forest, a paradise, was surrendered to the hands of the fire,” local farmer Minas Tzortzanis expressed his despair. “There are no words to explain what has happened. Destruction. Total destruction.”
Europe, the fastest-warming continent globally, has seen increasing wildfire threats. More than 10,000 square kilometers were burned in 2025, marking the worst fire year on record. This growing threat is exemplified by the wildfires raging across France and Spain, which forced hundreds of thousands to evacuate.
Amid gale-force winds, about 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft were deployed near Athens. However, adverse weather hampered their efforts. Authorities evacuated several areas, including Porto Germeno, due to encroaching flames. The fire originated near Agios Vasileios on Friday and expanded toward forested mountains west of Athens.
Elsewhere, many regions in Greece faced similar threats. On the Ionian island of Kefalonia, fires endangered homes, sparking evacuations. Crews tackled another blaze near Nea Tenedos.
In France, the Gironde megafire continued within its perimeter but posed a re-ignition risk under dry conditions and high temperatures. Firefighters from Ukraine, Lithuania, and French Polynesia were expected to aid local forces.
The Var department in southeastern France saw substantial firefighting efforts. Flames consumed around 18 square kilometers, leading to approximately 2,500 evacuations. By Sunday, the fire’s spread had been halted, but it remained problematic.
In Spain, the fire situation has calmed, but the risk persists. Infrastructure and emergency services are on alert as local evacuees gradually return.
European leaders, including Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, have emphasized the need for national strategies to counter increasing wildfire threats attributed to climate change.