- Forest fires near Athens rage almost unchecked
It is the largest forest fire of the year so far: Just a few kilometers northeast of the Greek capital Athens, firefighters are battling countless fires on an area of around 200 square kilometers. According to authorities, the front is almost 30 kilometers long. 13 people had to be treated in hospitals for respiratory problems, one firefighter was severely injured by burns, and another was lightly injured. Several villages have been evacuated. Despite the strong winds, no all-clear can be given yet.
Fires keep breaking out
By midday, 40 new fires had emerged, as the firefighters reported. "The very strong winds of force 7 are making our work difficult. At the moment, our defensive lines are in the regions east of the city of Marathon and in the area of the Penteli municipality, where the fire is particularly dynamic," a spokesperson said.
The situation is extremely difficult, confirmed also Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias, who informed the citizens about the situation on TV. Although the first fire broke out on Sunday and the first firefighting aircraft was deployed within minutes, the fire quickly got completely out of control due to the stormy winds.
Meanwhile, according to the Civil Protection Ministry, nearly 700 firefighters with around 200 fire trucks are in action, as well as hundreds of volunteers, 16 firefighting aircraft, and 17 firefighting helicopters.
Gusts of 70 kilometers per hour
The situation is challenging not only because of the strong winds but also because of the ongoing drought and the difficult, wooded terrain, said Kikilias. Throughout the day, stormy winds with gusts of up to 70 kilometers per hour are expected to continue, with the wind only easing in the evening. However, even then, there will be no all-clear; for one, the aircraft and helicopters cannot extinguish the fire at night, and for another, the wind is expected to strengthen again on Tuesday and continue for several more days.
The police evacuated nearby houses and villages, sometimes against the will of the people. Television images showed some residents refusing to leave their homes, hoping to still do something against the flames. Often, it is also elderly people who do not want to leave their homes.
However, this behavior is extremely dangerous. "Just a moment ago, we saw the wall of flames in the distance, suddenly the fire was there," said a resident who managed to get to safety, to reporters.
The people are advised not to return home even if their area seems to be free of fire. There is a risk of suddenly being surrounded by flames, and it is also important to keep streets and homes clear for the firefighters' work, authorities said.
In general, the residents in the east of the affected region of Attica are asked to be prepared for a possible evacuation of their homes. The capital Athens is also on standby, with several hospitals prepared for the worst-case scenario. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his vacation and returned to Athens to inform himself about the situation at the crisis center.
Firefighting units have already been deployed nationwide to Athens. In the meantime, international aid is also rolling in; Moldovan firefighters are already on site, and a contingent from Cyprus is also expected to arrive to relieve the exhausted Greek forces.
The devastating forest fires in Greece have extended their reach, with new fires emerging near the city of Marathon and the Penteli municipality. Despite the efforts of over 700 firefighters, numerous fire trucks, and various aircraft and helicopters, Greece, specifically Athens, remains on high alert. Additionally, international aid has begun to arrive, with Moldovan firefighters already present, and a contingent from Cyprus set to arrive.
