Athens: A wildfire erupted northeast of Athens on Sunday, casting a smoky haze over the Greek capital. The fire, which started around 3:00 pm local time about 35 kilometres from Athens, has prompted a large response.
More than 400 firefighters, 110 fire trucks, and numerous volunteers are battling the blaze. By late afternoon, 15 firefighting planes and nine helicopters were deployed, though they ceased operations at sunset.
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The fire is advancing rapidly towards Lake Marathon, a key reservoir for Athens. Fire department spokesman Col. Vassileios Vathrakogiannis reported that flames are towering more than 25 metres (80 feet) high, fuelled by strong winds in the area. Several houses have been damaged, and residents in nearby villages have been advised to evacuate via emergency text messages.
Later in the day, evacuation alerts were also sent to residents in some northern suburbs of Athens. Police have successfully evacuated over 200 people, including many elderly individuals who initially ignored the warnings.
Another wildfire west of Athens has been brought under control, according to the spokesman.
The combination of hot, dry weather and strong winds has heightened the risk of wildfires. Greece experienced its hottest June and July on record, along with the warmest winter ever. Meteorologists and government officials have issued a “red alert” for wildfire risks from Sunday through Thursday, with half of the country expected to be under heightened warning, according to Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias.
Agencies
Published: 12 Aug 2024, 08:15 am IST
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