Forest fire rages in the north of Athens
Ash rain over Athens: Near the Greek capital city, the fire department is fighting against a large forest fire. Strong winds complicate the firefighting efforts. Houses are currently not threatened, but the flames threaten to spread to a nature reserve.
In the densely forested area about 20 kilometers north of the Greek capital Athens, a large bush and forest fire has broken out. According to the fire department, helicopters and water-dropping planes, as well as hundreds of firefighters, are in action to contain the flames. The fire follows a long period of drought and several weeks with temperatures above 35 degrees Celsius.
Moreover, heavy winds were raging in the region, whose gusts reached a strength of eight according to meteorological office reports. The smoke plumes were spreading. In numerous regions of Athens, it smelled of burnt wood and ash was falling. A representative of the authorities stated that houses were not threatened by the fire. "The situation is currently stable." According to reports from the Greek radio, tourist facilities were not in the vicinity of the fire area. The Civil Protection once again warned that in wide parts of Central Greece, the second highest fire alarm level would prevail during the weekend.
The fire threatens a nature reserve. A large part of the area, which is covered with pine and spruce trees, was already destroyed by a major fire in 2007. Due to the hot and windy weather, there is high forest fire danger in many parts of the country, and about 40 fires have been counted since early morning. The authorities called on people to stay away from forested areas.
Forest fires are not uncommon in Greece. But they have become more devastating in recent years, as summers have become hotter, drier, and windier, which scientists link to the effects of climate change. After the severe forest fires of the previous summer and the warmest winter in Greece since records began, the authorities have strengthened their strategy against forest and bush fires.
The fire department is receiving international assistance to combat the forest fire near Athens, as the situation in Greece is becoming increasingly critical. Despite the efforts of the fire department, the forest fires in Athens continue to pose a threat to a nearby nature reserve, which was partially destroyed by fires in 2007. With numerous forest fires spreading across the country due to the hot and windy weather, the Greek government has reinforced its forest fire prevention strategies in light of the impacts of climate change.
