2 The 2007 Greek wildfires

During the summer of 2007, wildfires raged across Greece. At the time, they were recorded as the worst natural disaster of contemporary Greek history (Koutsias et al., 2012). The first fire started on the 27 June 2007 and the final fire was extinguished in early September 2007. The fires burnt through dry forests and vegetation, often moving quickly through the landscape (Athanaiou and Xanthopoulos, 2010).

Figure 2: A wildfire threatening the village of Podstrana, near the Adriatic coastal town of Split, Croatia, July 2017

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Colour photograph of a coastal town taken at night. The town is lit by electric lighting, but the mountain behind the town is illuminated by a wildfire blazing fiercely, it has crept down the silhouetted side of the mountain. Dazzling yellow and white flames leap high in the air and the atmosphere is thick with dense smoke. The flames are reflected in the sea that fronts the coastal town. The water appears as dark brown and orange with yellow flames reflected.

Figure 2: A wildfire threatening the village of Podstrana, near the Adriatic coastal town of Split, Croatia, July 2017

The Greek wildfires of 2007 resulted in a death toll of more than 78 (some estimates are as high as 84 people) including several firefighters. They devastated more than 180,000 hectares of forest and agricultural land, destroyed or effected over 3000 houses, and led to the loss of life of a substantial number of livestock and forest animals (Koutsias et al., 2012).

The most destructive and lethal infernos broke out on 23 August, expanded rapidly, and raged out of control until 27 August, they were finally put out in early September. During August 2007 alone 67 people died as the result of the wildfires.

Figure 3: Cars burned by wildfires on the Pelopennesian Peninsula, 2007

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Colour photograph of a landscape destroyed by fire. In the foreground are two cars and a pick-up truck. They are entirely burnt out. They are white with black smoke marks. They have no glass in their windows or tyres on their wheels and their interiors have been burnt out too. Behind them a man walks away from the scene. He is wearing an orange jumper, black shorts, and brown boots. Then there is land on a gentle slope that recedes into the background. The ground is coved in black ash. In the ground stands small trees. They are black and burnt. The sky behind is obscured by orange-tinged smoke.

Figure 3: Cars burned by wildfires on the Pelopennesian Peninsula, 2007

Like all wildfires, these fires also had a range of long-term effects. Releasing carbon into the atmosphere they contributed to climate change. The damage caused by these wildfires had significant economic consequences for individuals, communities, and the Greek nation. The fires also had long-term physical and mental health impacts. One study has found that victims of the 2007 Greek wildfires had increased symptoms of depression, anxiety, hostility, and paranoia (Adamis et al., 2011). Furthermore, by changing local habitats and ecosystems, the fires had a long-term impact on wildlife.

The next page will explore where these fires were most significant.