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3h ago

Mediterranean Heatwave Fuels Persistent Wildfires in Greece, Turkey and Syria

International crews intensify firefighting operations across major fronts spanning Greece, Turkey, Syria during record heat conditions

Emergency responders with the Syrian Civil Defense, also known as the White Helmets, work to extinguish a wildfire in the town of Rabia, in the Latakia countryside, Syria, Saturday, July 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)
Smoke billowing from a forest fire in the coastal Syrian province of Latakia on Saturday.
Syrian firefighters battle wildfires sweeping through the forests of Latakia, Syria, on Saturday.
Emergency responders with the Syrian Civil Defense, known as the White Helmets, work to extinguish a wildfire near the town of Rabia, in Syria's Latakia countryside, early Monday, July 7, 2025. (AP Photo/Ghaith Alsayed)

Overview

  • The Evia blaze, ignited on July 4, remains active despite deployments of over 160 firefighters, 46 trucks and five aircraft and has forced evacuations in Tsakeoi and Limnionas.
  • A July 2 wildfire on Crete that scorched forests and olive groves is now largely contained, allowing thousands of residents and tourists to return.
  • Turkey has brought ten major western fires under control but continues to battle a blaze in Hatay province that has displaced 920 homes and resulted in three firefighter fatalities.
  • Wildfires in Syria’s Latakia region enter a fourth day as UN teams conduct urgent humanitarian and damage assessments after hundreds of families fled their homes.
  • Cross-border aid includes Turkey dispatching aircraft and vehicles to Syria’s northwest coast and Jordanian crews joining the response, highlighting intensifying wildfire risks driven by extreme heat and strong winds.