Athens is now facing new threats of flooding and pollution as it continues to recover from the worst wildfire Greece has seen this year. The blaze, which raged for three days earlier this month, forced thousands to flee their homes, destroyed houses and cars, and claimed the life of one woman.
The wildfire, which started in Varnavas, 40 kilometers northeast of Athens, spread rapidly due to strong winds, consuming around 10,000 hectares (24,700 acres) of land and reaching the suburbs at the base of Mount Penteli. The National Observatory of Athens reports that 37 percent of the region's forests have been lost to fire over the past eight years.
Experts are warning that the situation is critical. Alexandros Dimitrakopoulos from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki highlighted the severe impact on Athens' environment, noting increased pollution and imminent risks of flooding due to soil erosion. He also pointed out that the once-vibrant pine forests are now replaced by weaker vegetation.
Fire meteorologist Theodore M. Giannaros cautioned that torrential rainfalls, which have become more frequent, could lead to soil erosion and flash floods in the coming winter. Dimitrakopoulos added that the loss of forests exacerbates the already extreme summer temperatures in Greece, which saw record highs this year.
The frequent fires are hampering the forest's ability to regenerate. The recent Varnavas fire affected Aleppo pines, a species adapted to fire but needing 15 to 20 years between fires to regenerate naturally. Professor Margarita Arianoutsou of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens noted that repeated fires have created areas in critical need of restoration.
In response, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has introduced measures for reforestation and fire prevention. However, there are debates about the role of pine trees, which are highly flammable due to their resin. Forester Nikos Georgiadis from the World Wide Fund for Nature suggested that instead of replacing pines, efforts should focus on creating more resilient, mixed forests with less flammable species and establishing green belts around settlements.
Experts also point to urban expansion into forest areas as a major issue. Dimitrakopoulos noted that forest land is often cleared for construction, which exacerbates the problem. Most Greek fires are human-caused, either through arson or negligence, and investigators suspect a faulty electricity pole may have ignited the Varnavas fire.
Overall, experts emphasize the need for a balanced approach to forest management and urban planning to mitigate future risks.
