Wildfire on Poikilo Mountain forces evacuations in Haidari, West Athens, as flames approach urban areas

Outbreak and spread

The fire started in low vegetation on the slopes of Poikilo Mountain, near the Egaleo ring road, at approximately 15:30 on Friday, 31 July 2026. Within an hour, it had crossed the mountain and was burning intensely, sending a massive plume of smoke over western Athens. The flames spread rapidly, reaching dangerously close to the urban fabric of Haidari and threatening residential areas. The fire's advance was aided by strong winds, which complicated containment efforts from the outset.

Evacuations and emergency alerts

The 112 emergency alert system first sent a readiness message to residents near Poikilo Mountain, then shortly after 16:00 issued an evacuation order for the Afaia and Ano Dasos neighbourhoods of Haidari. The message directed people to leave via Leoforos Athinon towards Peristeri. Police officers went door-to-door with loudspeakers, urging residents to evacuate immediately. By late afternoon, a preventive evacuation of the Psychiatric Clinic in Dafni was ordered shortly after 17:00.

“If you are in the areas of Afaia Haidariou and Ano Dasos Haidariou in the Attica Region, evacuate via Leoforos Athinon towards Peristeri. Follow the instructions of the authorities.”

Firefighting deployment

A force of 95 firefighters with 6 pedestrian units of the 1st EMODE, 22 vehicles, 4 aircraft, and 5 helicopters (one for coordination) was deployed to the scene. Municipal water tankers also provided assistance. Aerial units made continuous water drops, but the rugged terrain on the mountain made it difficult for ground machinery to reach the flames. The sound of sirens was constant as crews worked to prevent the fire from spreading further into populated areas.

Impact on residents and atmosphere

Residents across Haidari, Egaleo, Agia Varvara, and Petroupoli reported a suffocating atmosphere, with intense smoke and ash falling from the sky. Many fled their homes as the flames approached, while others watched anxiously as the aerial battle unfolded overhead. No injuries had been reported by the time of the latest updates, but the situation remained tense and the fire was still not under control.

Official reaction

Aspropyrgos Mayor Yiannis Ilias told Open TV that the fire had passed over Poikilo Mountain and was burning the mountain itself. He noted that municipal resources had arrived but access was difficult.

“Unfortunately the fire has passed over Poikilo Mountain, above the Egaleo ring road. Right now the mountain is burning.”

He described the effort as a struggle and said he had no information yet on the fire's origin.