Gale-Force Winds Drive Major Greek Wildfire, Forcing Sea Evacuations
Gale-force winds drove a major wildfire along the Gulf of Corinth in Greece on Saturday, August 1, forcing about 300 people to be evacuated by sea from the Porto Germeno area.[1]
Roughly 500 firefighters, specialized forest-fire teams and crews from France and Romania are battling the blaze near Porto Germeno.[1] They are supported by 19 water-dropping planes and 11 helicopters.[1] Strong to gale-force winds and severe turbulence have limited some aerial firefighting operations, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas said.[1] Wildfire meteorologist Theodore Giannaros estimated the burn area at 40-50 square kilometers, or about 15-19 square miles.[1] Additional evacuation orders were issued Saturday as the fire advanced along the coast.[1]
On Friday, July 31, the wildfire ignited near Agios Vasileios on the Gulf of Corinth and then intensified into Saturday, August 1.[1]
No official figure for the total area burned has been released as crews continue firefighting and evacuation operations.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- On Friday, July 31, 2026, a wildfire ignited near Agios Vasileios on the Gulf of Corinth and intensified into Saturday, August 1.
- Roughly 500 firefighters, specialized forest-fire teams, and crews from France and Romania are deployed near Porto Germeno, supported by 19 water-dropping planes and 11 helicopters.
- About 300 people were evacuated by sea from the affected coastal area, and additional evacuation orders were issued Saturday as the fire advanced.
- Wildfire meteorologist Theodore Giannaros estimated the burn area at 40–50 square kilometers (15–19 square miles), though an official figure has not yet been released.
- Strong to gale-force winds and severe turbulence have limited some aerial firefighting operations, according to Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas.
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