Australian helicopters help fight wildfires raging near Athens

·

Australian helicopters by McDermott Aviation have been spotted in skies above Athens, Greece fighting a wildfire which ravaged homes and forced thousands of locals to evacuate on Monday, August 12.

The fire began Sunday afternoon about 35 kilometers northeast of Athens, burning several homes and businesses and sending a blanket of smoke and ash over the city center. Power cuts hit parts of the Greek capital and affected traffic lights at major central junctions.

Three hospitals, including a children’s hospital, two monasteries and a children’s home were evacuated on Monday afternoon. Cellphones in the area got at least 30 push alerts warning people to flee.

wildfires greece australian helicopters
A McDermott Aviation helicopter fighting fires in Greece. Photo: Instagram.

On Tuesday morning, Greece’s fire department spokesperson Vasilis Vathrakogiannis said whilst there was no single fire front any more, there were still “several active pockets of fire.”

Firefighting aircraft by McDermott Aviation – Australia’s largest privately owned helicopter company – were helping local Greek fire authorities fight the wildfires near Penteli mountain and Marathonas Lake.

McDermott Aviation, along with Pays Air Services, sent 28 firefighting aircraft to Greece in early June 2024, along with a crew and support staff of more than 200 people.

This is the fifth fire season where McDermott Aviation have sent helicopters to support Greece throughout the summer.

Cretan Convention - Web Banner

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

My Greek Kitchen’s Niki Louca shares her favourite Pavlova Roll recipe

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for a pavlova roll with The Greek Herald.

Australians among top investors in Greece’s landmark Ellinikon project

The Ellinikon project, one of Europe’s largest urban regeneration initiatives, is transforming the former airport site into a modern city.

Church of Greece introduces LOGOS, its first AI platform

The Church of Greece has stepped into the era of artificial intelligence with the launch of LOGOS, an AI tool.

AHEPA Sydney & NSW marks OXI Day with tribute to Greece’s heroes of 1940

On Wednesday, October 29, AHEPA Sydney & NSW Inc proudly held a commemorative event in honour of OXI Day. Read more here.

Dean Kalymniou on Gough Whitlam and the 50-year legacy of the Racial Discrimination Act

Dean Kalymniou reflects on Whitlam’s legacy and 50 years of the Racial Discrimination Act - a milestone in Australia’s pursuit of justice.

You May Also Like

Oakleigh Grammar students hit the global stage at Round Square International Conference

In a celebration of personal growth, two Oakleigh Grammar students recently attended the 2024 Round Square International Conference.

Stella Magnisalis demands inquiry into SA police force after ex jailed

Ex-wife Stella Magnisalis of a former South Australia Police detective has accused the force of protecting her abusive partner for years.

Locals react after new bottle shop blocked from opening in Sydney’s east

Woollahra locals have reacted to the NSW liquor watchdog's decision to block the opening of a new bottle shop.