Communities throughout the country were impacted by raging wildfires fueled by dry conditions and a record-breaking heatwave. Villages in Rhodes, Evia, Corfu, and Volos were heavily affected, with new fires igniting almost daily.
First responders in Rhodes—an island in southeastern Greece just 13 miles from the Turkish coast—were finally able to bring blazes under control after days of grueling work. Nearly 20,000 people were forced to evacuate, making it the largest evacuation effort in Greece’s history.
WCK’s Relief Team first reached Rhodes with sandwiches, fruit, and water for firefighters and locals doing everything they could to save homes and businesses. Over the next two weeks, we provided thousands of meals to communities impacted by the fires in Rhodes, Evia, Corfu, and Volos. Our teams were hiking on mountain trails and using all-terrain vehicles to ensure that fire-impacted communities and first responders receive nourishing meals and refreshing drinks.
This is the second time WCK’s Relief Team has responded to wildfires in Greece. In 2021, we provided thousands of meals to families in Evia—located just north of Athens—as heatwave-fueled fires devastated communities in the region.
By the numbers
hot meals and sandwiches served
degrees fahrenheit
The hottest day on record in Greece happened during this response
WCK mobilizes amid wildfires in Greece
Read the stories of how WCK teams hiked up mountains and used ATVs to deliver meals and cold water to people fighting the fires.
Cooling down amid record heat
First responders in Greece worked tirelessly in record heat to control wildfires before they reached new communities. To help them tolerate the high temperatures, WCK provided coolers filled with refreshing cold water and electrolyte drinks along with meals and fruit.
Valasia in Vati
Valasia grew up on the island of Rhodes and volunteered with WCK to help feed her community. Here she is in Vati, helping distribute sandwiches, cold water, and fruit to firefighters and locals battling the wildfires.
The locals of Rhodes
There are more than 125,000 year-round residents in Rhodes, many of whom didn’t evacuated. Equipped with shovels and chainsaws, they cleared brush to create buffers around their homes.
Supporting first responders
First responders and locals were so focused on battling the fires that many haven’t had time to eat. Sam, WCK’s Director of Emergency Response, said people were loving the cold peaches WCK distributed. “It’s almost like they forget to eat until they see food right in front of them and their eyes light up,” he said.
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