A stadium originally constructed for Olympic athletes has been repurposed into an emergency shelter to accommodate dogs rescued from the wildfires in Greece.

Intense dry weather conditions and strong winds reaching speeds of up to 78mph have caused wildfires to spread throughout the Attica region surrounding Athens.

Despite ongoing efforts by hundreds of firefighters, significant damage has been reported in the villages of Porto Germeno and Psatha where homes have been destroyed by the blaze.

Volunteers at the Megara Olympians Municipal Stadium have transformed a running track into a temporary refuge for the dogs affected by the natural disaster. The rescued animals are being provided with food, water, and a place to rest.

Over 110 dogs have found shelter at the stadium since the wildfires started, with veterinarians carefully examining each dog for injuries or signs of illness upon arrival. Some of the rescued dogs are strays, while others still have their owners’ collars on.

Environmental organizations have raised concerns about the impact of the fires on the habitats of wild animals in Greece, including species like wild horses and deer. Recent data reveals that the Attica region has lost 42% of its forests to wildfires over the past decade.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis emphasized the importance of supporting the natural regeneration process of forests, particularly those comprising Aleppo pine. He urged authorities to provide accurate information to prevent misconceptions about the extent of forest destruction.

Authorities have reported 33 individuals arrested in Greece between June 29 and August 2 in connection with starting fires, with the majority of cases attributed to negligence related to agricultural activities like welding, despite local restrictions.

Efforts to combat the wildfires include the use of aircraft to drop water on affected areas when weather conditions permit. Costas Tsingas, head of the Greek Firefighters Association, expressed determination to end each day with progress in controlling the fires, acknowledging the escalating risk as the day unfolds.