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.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

Capturing legacies: The proika exhibition’s emotional tribute to Greek migrants

On Wednesday, November 20, the proika exhibition opened to a crowd of eager guests at the Thematikos x MBO Tailors creative space.

Golden Era Gala: A reunion with a cause to combat brain and rare cancers

White Pearl Foundation and Cquence Foundation have announced the Golden Era Gala to be held at the Hyatt Regency Sydney on November 30.

Melbourne scientist Steven Petratos offers hope to thousands with multiple sclerosis

The image of Steven Petratos’ grandfather, confined to a chair with trembling hands, left an indelible mark on his childhood.

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett to launch book on Nick Thyssen’s legacy

Former Victorian Premier Jeff Kennett, supporter of Greece and its diaspora, will launch the biography of Nick Thyssen (Nikos Theodosiadis).

Ithacans in Melbourne enjoy sell-out film screening to support archaeological preservation

On Sunday, at Palace Como in Melbourne, a sell-out crowd of 135 Ithacans and friends gathered to see the historical epic, The Return.

You May Also Like

Greece’s most beautiful ancient temples

Despite the hardship, wars and disasters, many ancient temples managed to be maintained in good condition, standing proud for centuries.

South Australian MP faces trial in June for allegedly assaulting fellow MP Connie Bonaros

Independent MP Sam Duluk will stand trial in June, accused of assaulting fellow politician Connie Bonaros, The Advertiser reports.

Turkey says US decision to end Cyprus arms embargo is ‘poison to the region’

The US decision to lift a 33-year arms embargo on Cyprus has prompted an angry response from Turkey overnight.