Greek Firefighting Helicopters Collide Amid Europe’s Expanding Wildfire Crisis

Two Greek firefighting helicopters collided while combating a wildfire west of Athens. One helicopter crashed, while the four crew members were recovered. Two were safe, and two were found unconscious. This incident highlights the current wildfire emergencies in Europe.

Strong winds pushed flames towards Athens, prompting evacuations. The fire threatened regions around Athens. Flames spread through western Attica, with communities and an industrial district outside Megara at risk. Violent gusts hindered firefighting aircraft from collecting water from the sea.

France faces a massive fire, the Gironde megafire, affecting 420 square kilometers. This has resulted in 224,000 people evacuating their homes. A second, uncontained fire continues in Provence. In Spain, major fires have stopped advancing, but earlier caused extensive evacuations.

Europe’s wildfire threat is growing, with record fire damage indicating unprecedented challenges.

During 2025, over 10,000 square kilometers burned, marking a challenging year. In the last four decades, wildfires have contributed to nearly 800 deaths across Europe. Climate change has exacerbated fire conditions, as noted by World Weather Attribution scientists.

Greece deployed nearly 500 firefighters and 23 aircraft, but gale-force winds hinder firefighting efforts. Authorities evacuated several areas, including Kandili and Porto Germeno. Fires in Greece have also threatened homes on the Ionian island of Kefalonia.

France is managing threats from vast megafire scars. Though held within its perimeter, the Gironde fire remains active. The destruction in Le Porge left 150 homes destroyed, prompting the deployment of additional firefighters, including international support.

In southeastern France, the Var department faces a 18-square-kilometer fire. Some 2,500 people evacuated due to threats to nearby communities. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu appointed a national coordinator for reconstruction in affected areas.

Spain’s fires are stable now, but an earlier siege killed 13 people and prompted a national emergency. The Fermoselle fire’s perimeter is guarded to prevent flare-ups.

Efforts continue in Greece, France, and Spain to manage the fires and the impacts on local communities.

Associated Press writers Nicolas Garriga in Lacanau, France; Michael Varaklas in Megara, Greece; and Colleen Barry in Milan contributed to this report.