Sixteen individuals suffering from minor burns or respiratory issues were hospitalized on Thursday and Friday due to intense fires on the outskirts of Athens and in several areas across Greece. Greek Health Minister Vasilis Kikilias stated that "around ten people were admitted to the hospital for respiratory problems at the Istia clinic on Evia Island, including two firefighters." One firefighter and five residents suffered minor burns in the fire that swept through several villages in northern Athens, and they were taken to the hospital on Thursday evening, according to the Greek news agency.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis said on Thursday evening that "our country is facing a very difficult situation" due to the dozens of fires that have ravaged Greece for a week amid extreme heat. In addition to forests and villages on Evia Island, located 200 km east of Athens, the village of Avdimi encountered a severe fire on Thursday night near Mount Parnes, 30 km north of Athens. A photographer for AFP reported that strong winds were fanning the flames, which were still active on Friday morning.
At least 450 Greek firefighters were deployed to extinguish the fire, aided by air and ground means. Approximately 82 French firefighters, both military and civilian, arrived on Thursday evening from Marseille and are expected to begin work on Friday, according to a French official. An official from the firefighters' press office stated that France will also send two water bombers, Sweden two planes, Romania 112 firefighters and 23 vehicles, and Switzerland three helicopters. Cyprus has already sent 40 firefighters and two aircraft, while Israel has promised to send 15 firefighters and a large shipment of flame retardants.
Part of the highway near Avdimi, connecting the north and south, was closed on Friday morning as a precaution. A pungent odor arose from the fire, with a gray cloud above the Athens basin. The Athens Observatory warned that the atmospheric condition in the Attica basin (Greater Athens) is "bad" due to "harmful PM2 particles." It added that in areas severely affected by these particles, "residents planning to go outside should wear effective protective masks."
On Friday, civil defense continued to send text alert messages warning citizens against going to parks or forests due to "high wildfire risks." Due to the extreme danger, authorities banned travel or stay in Greece’s forests, national parks, and natural areas until August 9, according to civil defense. Deputy Minister for Civil Protection Nikos Hardalias stated that 57 out of 99 fires recorded on Thursday were still burning in the evening, particularly on Evia Island and in the Peloponnese, where the situation remained concerning on Friday morning. Greek firefighters spent a challenging night battling the flames.
