A fire that erupted northeast of Athens, Greece on Sunday has spread to Mount Penteli, prompting the evacuation of several settlements.
Speaking in an emergency press briefing early on Monday morning, fire department spokesperson Vasilis Vathrakogiannis said despite the efforts of civil protection forces throughout the night, the fire had spread over the Penteli mountain range, just north of the Greek capital.
Vathrakogiannis said that messages had been sent for the evacuation of Nea Penteli, Palia Penteli, Drafi, Dioni, Damarasi, Daou Pentelis and Agios Spyridonas, while residents of Anthousa were warned to prepare for a possible evacuation at 5:45am. Authorities were also evacuating the Penteli Children’s Hospital and the 414 Military Hospital in the area.
Overnight, 510 firefighters and 16 teams of forest commandos with 152 vehicles and a very large number of volunteers fought the wildfire. Vathrakogiannis said 29 fire-fighting airplanes and helicopters will take off at first light to also assist the firefighting effort.
Winds remained strong during the night, creating dangerous situations, and their intensity is expected to increase in the next few hours. Citizens in the areas where the fire is burning must be prepared to carry out the instructions of the authorities.
The fast-moving blaze has already destroyed trees, homes, and vehicles, and has sent thick smoke clouds over the city.
Source: AMNA.gr.
