Greek Forest Fires of 2007: What Happened
In the summer of 2007, Greece suffered some of the most destructive forest fires in its modern history. After an extremely hot summer with several heatwaves, fires broke out across the country, and the worst came in late August, when huge blazes struck the western and southern Peloponnese, especially the regions of Ilia, Messenia, Arcadia and Laconia, as well as the island of Evia. Strong winds spread the fires rapidly, and firefighters were overwhelmed. Dozens of people were killed, many of them trapped in their villages or cars as they tried to escape, with estimates of the death toll for the summer reaching more than 80. The fires destroyed around 2,700 square kilometers of forests, farmland and olive groves, and burned thousands of homes and dozens of villages. The flames also reached the edge of the ancient site of Olympia, although firefighters managed to protect the main archaeological site and museum. The disaster led to anger at the government's response and a debate about the country's fire prevention and civil protection systems, questions that returned with later wildfires.
Frequently Asked Questions
When were the 2007 Greek forest fires?
The worst fires struck in late August 2007, after an extremely hot summer, especially in the Peloponnese and on Evia.
Which areas burned in 2007?
The fires struck Ilia, Messenia, Arcadia and Laconia in the Peloponnese, as well as the island of Evia.
How many people died in the 2007 Greek fires?
More than 80 people died over the summer, many trapped in their villages or cars as they tried to escape.
Did the 2007 fires reach ancient Olympia?
Yes. The flames reached the edge of ancient Olympia, but firefighters protected the main archaeological site and museum.
What was the impact of the 2007 fires?
Around 2,700 square kilometers of forests, farmland and olive groves burned, and thousands of homes and dozens of villages were destroyed.
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