"The sky began to be covered up by a thick gray cloud, the air became unbreathable and we realized we had to leave quickly," said Asimina Raikou, a resident of Marathon who evacuated with her family on Sunday, August 11. The fire started near this historic city located 40 kilometers northeast of Athens, on the same day − ironically − as the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, where there had been many nods to Greek history. The flames spread rapidly on Monday, leading to the evacuation of several towns and villages, even of suburbs close to Athens such as Chalandri, which has a population of over 70,000.

Smoke enveloped the Acropolis and the Greek capital. Several houses, businesses and vehicles were engulfed in flames. A woman was found to have burnt to death in Vrilissia − the only casualty so far. Nearly 80 people have been hospitalized with respiratory problems.

"Forest fire near you. Follow the instructions of the authorities," stated the Civil Protection agency on Sunday and Monday via text messages sent to local residents and accompanied by a shrill ringtone. Asimina didn't have to wait for the message. This beach bar owner has become used to fires. In July 2018, she had what was likely "the most traumatic experience of [her] life" when a fire that had engulfed the nearby seaside resort of Mati claimed 104 lives. "A very painful memory," she said. "Before, you would hesitate to leave your house, your store. After all, it's a lifetime's investment. But now, we have these tragic images in our heads, we know people close to us, customers who have lost family members, and we can't forget. We can't take any more risks."

The Greek authorities opened the OAKA Olympic stadium in northern Athens to accommodate thousands of displaced people. Hoteliers also offered emergency accommodation. But Asimina preferred to stay with friends in Athens. "I'm afraid for the future. How can I live in a region threatened every summer by fires? It's like déjà-vu here," she said emphatically. But she has also felt a great deal of anger and disappointment toward the authorities: "Why are they letting this tragedy happen again? Why don't the town halls clean up the land properly, collect the branches and create fire-safe zones as they should?"

The sentiment is shared by Panagiotis Tsiotakis, who lives in the nearby seaside resort of Nea Makri. "Every summer we're on the alert. We have a small suitcase ready in case we have to be evacuated. Is this normal? Why do I see citizens alone on the TV trying to extinguish the flames threatening their homes? Where are the authorities?" said the young man angrily.

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