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Wildfires Devastate Greece's Forests, Threaten Unique Ecosystems
6 Aug
Summary
- Wildfires destroy over 4,500 hectares on Chios island
- Cephalonia firs, a protected species, severely damaged in Peloponnese
- Greece hires 1,600 new firefighters, now has 18,000 personnel
In the summer of 2025, Greece has faced a severe wildfire crisis, with several major incidents occurring across the country. As of August 6th, the situation remains ongoing.
In late June, a wildfire on the island of Chios in the northern Aegean Sea destroyed more than 4,500 hectares, threatening the island's mastic pistachio trees, the source of a unique resin used in food, pharmaceuticals, and cosmetics.
The most serious ecological disaster, however, took place in Feneos, on the mountains near Corinthia in the Peloponnese, between July 22nd and 24th. More than 1,100 hectares of Cephalonia firs, a protected species that cannot naturally regenerate after a fire, were destroyed in a zone protected by the European Natura 2000 network.
Despite these challenges, Greece has taken significant steps to bolster its firefighting capabilities. In the past year, the country has hired nearly 1,600 new firefighters, bringing the total number to 18,000, including 2,500 seasonal workers and more than 1,500 forest rangers. Additionally, 164 new fire trucks have been delivered, and the country now has 85 aircraft at its disposal.
While the situation remains dire, Greece's efforts to strengthen its firefighting forces may help mitigate the impact of these devastating wildfires in the future.
