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Read moreGreece's wildfire emergency puts wildlife and communities at risk
Greece's wildfire emergency puts wildlife and communities at risk
6 August 2026
As wildfires continue to burn across Greece, emergency responders are working around the clock to protect people, community animals, and wildlife caught in the path of the flames. High temperatures, strong winds, and dry conditions have fuelled fast-moving fires across multiple regions, forcing evacuations and threatening important wildlife habitat.
IFAW is providing emergency support to our local partner, Save Your Hood, helping responders remain in the field as they rescue animals, reach affected communities, and respond to the evolving crisis.
Firefighting helicopter filled with water flying above the north suburbs of Athens, joining the battle against wildfires in Greece. © Lydia Veropoulou - stock.adobe.com
This is not the first time IFAW has responded to devastating wildfires in Greece. Following last year's fires, we worked alongside trusted local partners to support the rescue and care of affected animals. That experience reinforced the importance of investing not only in emergency response, but also in preparedness before the next crisis strikes.
Earlier this year, IFAW launched a disaster resilience project with Save Your Hood to strengthen local capacity before the next emergency. Together, we supported the purchase of a replacement rescue vehicle to safely transport responders, equipment, and animals, while also helping provide training and personal protective equipment for frontline teams.
Only a few months later, that investment is already making a difference.
For the past six days, Save Your Hood responders have been working in some of Greece's hardest-hit areas, including Voiotia, Crete, Achaia, Paros, and Neratzies. Teams are prioritising locations where wildlife is most likely to be found, searching for animals that have survived the fires but may be injured, dehydrated, or displaced.
To help sustain these life-saving efforts, IFAW has activated emergency funding to support responder travel, accommodation, meals, vehicle operations, animal rescue equipment, personal protective equipment, and the care of rescued animals.
As wildfires have spread across southern Europe this summer, affecting France, Spain, Portugal, and Greece, the need for experienced local responders has never been greater. The growing frequency and intensity of these disasters is another reminder that protecting animals means investing not only in emergency response, but also in preparedness before disaster strikes.
Every day responders spend in the field gives more animals a chance to survive. As Save Your Hood's work continues, IFAW will continue standing alongside our partner to ensure they have the resources they need to respond safely and effectively.
We will continue updating this page as the response evolves, sharing stories from the field and the impact your support is making for animals affected by Greece's wildfires.
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