Aircraft collisions during firefighting operations highlight the perilous situations often faced by crews battling wildfires. On Sunday, two Greek helicopters clashed midair while combating a blaze near Athens. The crash resulted in the deaths of two crew members, one Greek and one Danish, while a Greek and a British national survived.

Devastation in Greece

Wildfires driven by strong winds spread through western Attica near Athens, causing new evacuations. These winds complicated firefighting efforts, hindering aircraft from collecting water. This blaze reminded many of the tragic 2018 Mati fire, which claimed 104 lives.

Firefighters on the Frontlines

Firefighting helicopters operated in the Psatha area, each with a two-member crew. International crews often assist Greece in battling wildfires due to the country’s hot, dry summers.

Gale-force winds swept flames through dry forests, crippling firefighting efforts and leading to further evacuations. Even as nearly 500 firefighters and dozens of aircraft were deployed, several communities, including Porto Germeno, faced severe threats.

France and Spain: The Larger Picture

Elsewhere in Europe, France’s largest wildfire, the Gironde fire, remained intense but managed within its perimeter, although it forced more than 224,000 people to evacuate. Similarly, fires in Spain affected over 330,000 people, illustrating the growing wildfire danger in Europe.

Fire hotspots in France highlighted the nation’s vulnerability to wildfires. With temperatures soaring around Bordeaux, maintaining control over the fires remained a challenge.

Record Fire Damage in Europe

Europe faced its worst fire year on record in 2026, with over 10,000 square kilometers burned in 2025. Wildfires caused nearly 800 deaths across the continent in four decades. The European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service attributes more than double the global warming rate to Europe.

Scientists from World Weather Attribution found human-driven climate change has had a significant impact on weather conditions that facilitate such blazes.

Spain’s Battle Continues

Spain’s fires, part of a deadly season that claimed 13 lives and prompted a national emergency, saw some containment. In Zamora province, efforts continued to guard against flare-ups in rugged terrain near the Portuguese border. While many evacuees returned home, Spain faced a continued threat from these blazes.

Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez emphasized the need for a national pact to tackle the increasingly destructive wildfires driven by climate change.