- hot-spots
- forest fire
- Greece
- Wildfires on the island Rhodes, Greece
Problems
Fires swept the south and east of the island of Rhodes, known for both beaches and historical sites. In several places, people were taken by boat from the beaches. Many failed to collect their belongings. 19,000 people, about half of whom are tourists, were evacuated from the island of Rhodes due to severe fires. It is reportedly the largest rescue operation in the history of modern Greece. The flame is also raging in continental Greece, including in the vicinity of Athens. Due to the heat, the opening hours of many historical sites, including the Acropolis, are limited. Forecasters warn that extreme heat in southern Europe will last for about ten more days.
Causes of wildfire on the island Rhodes
Firefighters have suggested the Rhodes fire could have been sparked by arson, but it is the latest extreme heatwave across Europe that has caused conditions allowing the fire to spread. In the weeks leading up to the fires, Rhodes consistently experienced dry weather. Hot, dry weather like this helps fires burn longer and rage more intensely as moisture is sapped from vegetation, turning it into dry fuel that aids in the spread of flames.
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Timelines
2023
July 31
Greece reported a significant improvement in the situation around forest fires. The vast majority of fires were under control, firefighters said. Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni said the island of Rhodes, where up to 30,000 people had to be evacuated in recent days, was a safe destination and life there was returning to normal. However, the risk of further fires remains high due to the weeks-long drought.
July 18
Following a series of heatwaves and wildfires taking place over Europe, wildfires on the Greek island of Rhodes have been starting, leading to the evacuation of four locations, including two seaside resorts. Approximately 2,000 people, including tourists, were safely evacuated by sea, accounting for less than 10% of the island's tourist accommodations, according to the fire department spokesman. The Greek government established a Crisis Management Unit to respond to the situation. The highest temperatures reaching 41.0 °C (105.8 °F) with highs anticipated to reach 45.0 °C (113.0 °F) in Rhodes. The causes of the fire remain unclear but authorities say they have rounded up several suspects they believe may have been implicated in the fires. Local media have reported testimony of locals incriminating a band of men who sped off on motorbikes from the site of the first fire. They said the crackling sounds of grenade explosions sounded minutes before the first fire emerged in the heart of Rhodes. Police investigators told VOA no arrests had been made. Still, they said they were "closing in" as they put it, on the potential suspects.
2021
August 01
A fire had broken out on the island of Rhodes and resulted in a mass evacuation as well as leaving many people without power or water. The fire threatens the famed Valley of the Butterflies, the military base of Kalamona, and the village of Psinthos, all of which have been evacuated. Firefighters on the scene warned residents of nearby villages and settlements to evacuate as well, as the fire is quickly gaining ground and could spread very easily. Although many farms were destroyed, there were no casualties or burned homes. The World Meteorological Organization connected the fires with the regional heatwave and wildfire season made worse by climate change.