A Greek Olympic stadium has been transformed into an emergency rescue centre for dogs saved from the devastating wildfires tearing through parts of the country.
The Megara Olympians Municipal Stadium, originally constructed for sporting competition, is now providing sanctuary for more than 110 dogs rescued from the blazes that have ripped through the Attica region surrounding Athens.
Volunteers have converted the stadium’s running track into a makeshift refuge, where exhausted animals are being fed, watered and cared for following their rescue from the disaster zone, according to The Mirror.
Vets are examining every dog upon arrival to assess injuries and signs of illness. While a significant number of the rescued animals are strays, others have been found wearing collars, sparking hopes they may be reunited with their owners.
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The wildfires, driven by dry conditions and fierce winds gusting up to 78mph, have continued to rage across Attica. Hundreds of firefighters remained on the front line on Wednesday, battling blazes that have already reduced homes in the villages of Porto Germeno and Psatha to rubble.
Animal welfare organisations have warned that Greece’s wildlife is also bearing the brunt of the fires, with habitats home to species including wild horses and deer being destroyed.
Newly released figures reveal that Attica has lost 42% of its forests to wildfires over the past decade.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis maintained that burnt forests were capable of recovering through natural regeneration, particularly those consisting of Aleppo pine. “I would like to reiterate once again that when a forest burns, this does not mean that the forest is lost forever,” he said.
“Forests that burn, especially those consisting of Aleppo pine, undergo a process of natural regeneration, which must of course be supported and protected. This is happening to a large extent in Attica.
“I would ask the competent authorities to present the relevant data so that the impression is not created that ‘almost all the forests of Attica have been destroyed’ and that ‘the damage caused is irreversible’.
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“Clearly, we are dealing with major environmental damage, and we will do everything within our power to support nature as it proceeds, at its own pace, through the process of natural regeneration.”
Officials confirmed that 33 individuals were detained throughout Greece between June 29 and August 2 on suspicion of starting fires. Of these arrests, 30 were charged with causing blazes through negligence, while three faced accusations of deliberate arson.
A significant number of the negligence incidents were connected to agricultural activities, including welding operations, which had taken place despite local prohibitions being in force.
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Aerial firefighting units and helicopters have been conducting water drops on the most severely affected regions when weather conditions have permitted.
Costas Tsingas, head of the Greek Firefighters Association, said: “The goal is for the day to end better than it started.
“There is a huge fire load in the area and the risk goes up as the day progresses.”