Greece forest fire forces evacuations near Athens
A forest fire has devastated several seaside towns east of the Greek capital Athens, damaging homes and prompting dozens of evacuations in a popular tourist destination.
The blaze, near the towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, forced the evacuation of five villages, according to firefighters.
It comes after a fire on Chios - Greece's fifth-largest island - which has destroyed more than 4,000 hectares of land this week.
"Ground and aerial forces are waging an enormous battle against the flames," said fire service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis.
He added that around 130 firefighters, as well as volunteers, were battling the blaze, and around a dozen planes and helicopters had been deployed.
"This is a difficult fire fuelled by strong winds," another fire service official said.
President of the firefighters' union Kostas Tsiguas said that at least 50 people had been moved from the area.
Temperatures reached up to 40C in the Athens region, with forecasts indicating that the heatwave could continue until Saturday.
In the past 24 hours, 45 fires had broken out in Greece, firefighters said.
In Athens, police closed off the main coastal avenue that connects the capital to Cape Sounion, near the fire area.
The region is popular among foreigners and Greek tourists. Many Athenians own second homes or holiday in the area.
Deputy mayor of Palaia Fokaia, Stavros Petropoulos, described the situation as "dramatic".
"Residents told us the fire started because of a spark from a faulty electric cable," he told national television.
Greece has become particularly vulnerable in recent years to fires in summer fuelled by strong winds, drought and high temperatures linked to climate change.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
RTÉ News
16 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Greece forest fire forces evacuations near Athens
A forest fire has devastated several seaside towns east of the Greek capital Athens, damaging homes and prompting dozens of evacuations in a popular tourist destination. The blaze, near the towns of Palaia Fokaia and Thymari, forced the evacuation of five villages, according to firefighters. It comes after a fire on Chios - Greece's fifth-largest island - which has destroyed more than 4,000 hectares of land this week. "Ground and aerial forces are waging an enormous battle against the flames," said fire service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. He added that around 130 firefighters, as well as volunteers, were battling the blaze, and around a dozen planes and helicopters had been deployed. "This is a difficult fire fuelled by strong winds," another fire service official said. President of the firefighters' union Kostas Tsiguas said that at least 50 people had been moved from the area. Temperatures reached up to 40C in the Athens region, with forecasts indicating that the heatwave could continue until Saturday. In the past 24 hours, 45 fires had broken out in Greece, firefighters said. In Athens, police closed off the main coastal avenue that connects the capital to Cape Sounion, near the fire area. The region is popular among foreigners and Greek tourists. Many Athenians own second homes or holiday in the area. Deputy mayor of Palaia Fokaia, Stavros Petropoulos, described the situation as "dramatic". "Residents told us the fire started because of a spark from a faulty electric cable," he told national television. Greece has become particularly vulnerable in recent years to fires in summer fuelled by strong winds, drought and high temperatures linked to climate change.
The Irish Sun
18 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Inside Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale's ‘doomed relationship' as friends label them a ‘holiday romance that won't last'
POSING in swimwear in sun-soaked social media snaps, they look like the ultimate loved-up celebrity couple. But friends fear the final whistle could soon be blown on Andy Carroll and 9 Pals fear Andy Carroll's Insta-perfect relationship with Lou Teasdale is going to be 'seriously tested' Credit: Instagram 9 The pair revealed their romance weeks after Andy's split from wife Billi Mucklow Credit: Instagram 9 Andy affectionately calls make-up artist Lou 'T-Total' for her sober lifestyle Credit: Instagram 9 Friends are worried they won't last once they 'return to reality' of living back in the UK Credit: instagram/andytcarroll The former While he's been playing football in France, and frolicking with make-up artist to the stars Lou, 41, off the pitch, Andy's ex, former Towie star A source said: 'There are genuine fears that Andy and Lou won't last when they return to the UK. "Their relationship has effectively been a big holiday romance, and they are going to be seriously tested when returning to reality. "Andy has clearly made it his priority to be closer to his children. "While that is admirable, things might not be the same for him and fun-loving Lou back in the UK." During Andy's time in France, he and Lou - who Andy affectionately calls his "T Total" because she doesn't drink - have shared photos galore of It very much looks like a holiday romance from the outside and everyone knows what happens to those when the sun stops shining A Sun source In April, they Then, following the end of Bordeaux's season, Andy - once the most expensive footballer in British history, after joining Liverpool for £35 million in 2011 - An insider added: "It very much looks like a holiday romance from the outside and everyone knows what happens to those when the sun stops shining. Andy Carroll quizzed by cops twice after bust-ups with girlfriend at packed restaurant and hotel during Greek holiday 'Lou loves travel and working as an influencer means she's always here, there and everywhere. "It's very much up in the air about how things will actually work for them once they are home." COUPLE CLASH In fact, cracks have already started appearing between Andy and Lou after he was Andy Carroll and Lou Teasdale's 'holiday romance' AS pals of the pair suspect they will struggle with their love back on home turf, here are some of the pair's sun-soaked getaways In October 2024, the pair were In January 2025, they In April 2025, The pair In April 2025, they put on a The Sun's exclusive pictures in May 2025 saw In June 2025, they jetted on holiday to Greece - yet the trip was marred when After the first clash, a worker at restaurant Nikolus Tavern said: 'He seemed very drunk and furious with his partner. 'He was using very bad words. It was improper behaviour. The woman looked very upset.' Following a chat with cops, during which Andy was 'very calm', the striker returned to Lou. However, hours later officers escorted him to a local police station for questioning after reports of damage to the couple's room at a £500-a-night boutique hotel. It's very much up in the air about how things will actually work for them once they are home A Sun source A hotel worker confirmed the incident, telling The Sun on Sunday: 'Yes, they were staying here. He broke the door.' Carroll wasn't arrested, and it's understood no further action was taken, but Lou stayed elsewhere that night, checking into celebrity hotspot Soho Roc House private members' club. One British holidaymaker spotted the pair engaged in a bust-up and claimed he heard the former Liverpool striker shout at her: 'I'm done with us!' LOU'S LOVE Before Andy, Lou's last romance was The former soldier, 41, and the make-up artist were first spotted looking loved-up at Coachella Music Festival in April 2022, but by January 2023 they had gone their separate ways and Lou wiped all trace of Jay from her social media. She wrote on Instagram at the time: 'No 2022 dump from me because it was the most horrible year of my life. Be kind and look after people.' Lou's social media has often been a happy hunting ground for her. The star previously told how she has found guys on Instagram, and said it was an 'easy' way to meet men. When speaking about social media hook-ups in a 2022 episode of podcast Sex, Lies & DM Slides, she said: 'It's just men, isn't it? I do think there is a bit of a thing going on with the blue ticks. "Like, they just go in with it and it's a bit of a, 'Are you DTF [down to f**k]?' But without saying that. 'It's not as literal as that, but you genuinely can, if you want to, have sex, probably go and meet someone off Towie quite quickly.' Nomadic lifestyle Asked if she's been messaging anyone from Towie, she said: 'Loads of them. Not this year, but I have in the past. I'm not saying. "There is a little world going on, and it's quite easy to go and meet someone from Instagram. "I generally find just talking on Instagram is better for dating. I meet more blokes that way." Lou is also She added: 'So it's really easy to start chatting.' Lou - who first shot to fame as One Direction's make-up artist, and remains close pals with Harry Styles - has a daughter, Lux Atkin, 13, with musician Tom Atkin, 40. Lux - @Baby Lux on her 23,000-follower Instagram account - was previously dubbed 'One Direction's youngest fan', after she was often pictured with the Story Of My Life hitmakers. Lou led a nomadic lifestyle while on tour with the boyband, and that has continued throughout her life. MARRIAGE MATERIAL? In May, Andy's friends were convinced A friend told The Sun on Sunday at the time: 'Lou is already telling her mates they have discussed marriage, and Andy thinks he's met his soulmate. "Their connection is so strong. He has never felt like this before. 'He definitely wants to put a ring on it. It's been a whirlwind romance for both of them. "But they're playing for keeps." Meanwhile, Andy and Billi are still thrashing out their divorce, after separating in September 2024 - with he and Lou revealing their romance weeks later. Billi recently showed Andy just what he is missing when she shared She added the caption: 'Back To My Happy Place." But will a return to England be a happy place for Andy and Lou? I fell out of love with everything. I was very depressed. I wouldn't go out of the house, I had to wear a hat if I did. I hated everything and everybody Andy Carroll The footballer recently admitted Speaking to Andy also told how he has enjoyed a much 'easier' and 'simpler life' in France. Speaking about fame having its "dark sides", he said: "In France I live a much easier, simpler life. 'People recognise me in the street but respect me. "That's key to my happiness." Whether Lou can help deliver Andy's happiness goal remains to be seen… but their romance could be heading into injury time. 9 Andy and Lou are relocating back to Britain after the footballer finished playing for French side Bordeaux Credit: AFP 9 The pair enjoyed a loved-up break in Ibiza in May Credit: instagram/andytcarroll 9 Yet on their recent Greek trip, they had bust-ups in a restaurant and hotel with Andy quizzed by cops Credit: Gary Stone 9 The footie ace wants to be closer to his five children Credit: Instagram 9 His divorce from Towie star Billi Mucklow is still being finalised Credit: Getty
Dublin Live
2 days ago
- Dublin Live
Irish tourists warned of extreme 44C heat in Spain, Portugal, and France as Europe faces heatwave
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info Irish holidaymakers are being warned as an extreme heatwave hits Europe - just as many are preparing for their summer getaways. Despite a rainy and breezy forecast at home in Ireland, popular tourist destinations are set to sizzle with temperatures possibly soaring to 44C due to high pressure dominating much of Europe. And Carlow Weather's Alan O'Reilly has sounded the alarm for Irish tourists visiting three hotspots. He said: "Heading for Spain, Portugal or France this weekend? Prepare for some hot weather, could hit up to 44c in parts of Portugal and Spain and up to 40c in parts of France. Yes I know it's summer and yes these countries do get hot but this is a little early to see these temps and us Irish aren't built for that heat." With Northern Europe caught in an unseasonably early heatwave, experts forecast temperatures will climb even further in the weeks ahead. The French national meteorological service, Meteo France, has issued warnings that such intense heat poses a threat to all, including those in good health. Southern Europe is facing a more dire scenario, with the Greek island of Chios currently in the throes of a fierce wildfire. Residents have been evacuated as the parched island ignited over the weekend. Portugal has already recorded a scorching 40.5C this year, while certain areas in Spain have experienced peaks of over 42C. Wageningen University's environmental systems analysis professor, Bas Amelung, predicts future summer temperatures in favoured holiday spots like Spain, France, Italy, Greece, and Turkey could rise to uncomfortable levels. "Countries such as Spain, France, Italy, Greece and Turkey that currently attract the traditional 'sun and sand' summer tourists are likely to become too hot for comfort in the summer," he warns. "So if a large majority of holidaymakers thinks some European destinations will soon be 'too hot', they may well start adapting, either by going somewhere else in summer or by going to the same place in another season." Join our Dublin Live breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive your daily dose of Dublin Live content. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice . For all the latest news from Dublin and surrounding areas visit our homepage .
