Athens is on high alert as the looming threat of catastrophic wildfires grows ever more imminent. With devastating fires having raged through the region last August, the Greek capital, home to nearly 4 million residents, is bracing for a potentially disastrous summer. Firefighters, volunteers, and officials are mobilizing in a desperate bid to prevent a repeat of last year’s chaos, where entire neighborhoods were evacuated as flames encroached dangerously close.

The Greek government is ramping up its efforts, implementing drone surveillance to monitor woodlands and enhance preparedness. However, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warns that this may not be enough to stave off the worst. “The most difficult times lie ahead of us,” he cautioned, urging citizens to brace for the impact of the climate crisis.

Experts are sounding alarms over the extreme weather patterns that have gripped Athens, with rising temperatures and parched conditions creating a perfect storm for wildfires. Researcher Costas Laguardos has identified Mount Jimeus as a potential ground zero, where a blaze could sweep through city districts in mere hours. “If we have this information, we can better prepare and deploy firefighting resources,” he stated, emphasizing the urgency of the situation.

Volunteer firefighter Pavlo Aphendras is acutely aware of the risks, patrolling Mount Jimeus and checking fire hydrant access. “The need for volunteer firefighters is bigger than before,” he declared, highlighting the pressing demand for resources. Local residents are frustrated, demanding a buffer zone between neighborhoods and the forest to mitigate future disasters.

As conditions remain precarious, Athens stands at a critical juncture. The city is caught in a climate and fire trap, with the specter of disaster looming larger each day. The time for action is now—before the flames engulf the capital once more.