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Gale-force winds fuel Attica inferno, ground aircraft
2 Aug
Summary
- Violent winds in Attica prevent aircraft from collecting seawater.
- France's largest wildfire, 4 times Paris size, is contained but still burning.
- Climate change doubles likelihood of extreme fire conditions, scientists say.
In Greece, gale-force winds are intensifying a wildfire in western Attica, nearing villages and an industrial district. The powerful gusts are hindering firefighting efforts, preventing aircraft from gathering seawater and allowing the flames to spread through dry forests. Authorities have ordered new evacuations for communities including Kandili and Agia Skepi, with particular concern for the seaside community of Porto Germeno.
Meanwhile, France is dealing with the aftermath of its largest wildfire, which, after forcing mass evacuations, is now contained but still active across 420 sq km. A second fire in Provence has also stabilized. These fires, alongside those in Spain, have displaced hundreds of thousands during the summer peak.
Europe is experiencing record warming, with higher temperatures and drought exacerbating fire conditions. Scientists from World Weather Attribution have linked human-caused climate change to the extreme fire conditions observed, doubling the likelihood of such events that have ravaged forests and scrubland across the continent.
