Large wildfire prompts evacuations in Marathon, Attica, Greece

ByReet Kaur

A major wildfire broke out near Marathon, Attica, Greece, on June 16, 2025, prompting evacuation alerts and a large-scale emergency response.

A large wildfire broke out at 13:30 LT on June 16 in the Ano Souli forest area near Marathon, northeast of Athens, Greece. The fire spread quickly due to dry vegetation and moderate winds, prompting two emergency evacuation alerts to residents in the areas of Ano Souli and Marathon.

The Hellenic Fire Service mobilized approximately 140 firefighters supported by 38 fire engines, 5 ground teams, multiple volunteer units, and aerial assets including 10 fixed-wing aircraft and 7 helicopters. Reinforcements arrived from multiple regional firefighting departments, with municipal water tankers and earth-moving equipment aiding containment efforts.

Authorities ordered residents of Ano Souli to evacuate toward Grammatiko and those in Marathon to evacuate toward Nea Makri. The fire led to the suspension of vehicle circulation on critical local roads, including Monastiriou Street between Grammatiko Avenue and Ano Souli.

No structural damage or injuries have been reported as of the latest updates. The fire had not reached residential areas or the Monastery of Saint Raphael, located near the affected zone. By late afternoon, firefighting officials reported that the fire front appeared largely under control, supported by favorable shifts in wind conditions.

The Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection issued a “red alert” for wildfires across several Greek regions, including Attica. This follows a period of persistently dry weather, high temperatures, and low relative humidity, which have heightened fire risk across much of the country.

References:

1 Large wildfire in Ano Souli, Marathon: Firefighting forces reinforced – 112 emergency alert issued for evacuation to Grammatiko and Nea Makri – Proto Thema – June 16, 2025

2 Greece firefighters tame wildfire near Athens – Reuters – June 16, 2025

I’m a science journalist and researcher at The Watchers, contributing to the Epicenter edition, where I cover peer-reviewed scientific research and emerging discoveries across Earth and space sciences. With a background in astronomy and a passion for environmental science, I’ve worked in shark and coral conservation in Fiji, conducting reef and shark-behavior research, contributing to mangrove restoration, and earning PADI Open Water and Coral Reef Certifications. I bring a blend of scientific rigor and storytelling to illuminate the discoveries shaping our planet and beyond.

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