Firefighters tame fire near Athens which killed one person

·

Hundreds of Greek firefighters, armed with more than 200 fire engines and 20 water-bombing aircraft, have contained the fires that started over the weekend in Varnavas, Attica.

While many locals were forced to flee their homes, the wildfires proved fatal with the body of a Moldovan woman in her 60s found in a burned-out factory in Halandri and at least 66 people injured, including five firefighters.

Fuelled by strong winds, the fire scaled Mount Penteli overlooking Athens and devastated the suburbs of Nea Penteli, Palaia Penteli, Patima Halandriou and Vrilissia.

Greece appealed for international assistance from France, Italy, Czech Republic, Romania, Serbia and Turkey, as authorities indicated they were sending hundreds of firefighters along with helicopters, fire engines and water tankers.

Photo: The Australian.

Sports halls including the Athens Olympic Stadium have been assigned to shelter the homeless and one former Olympic hall was used to house over 150 rescued pets.

With Athens blanketed in thick smoke for days, scientists have reported an alarming rise in hazardous airborne particles.

“Never in a million years did I think a fire would come here… We’re without clothes, money, everything was burned inside,” 65-year-old Sakis Morfis told AFP outside his gutted home in Vrilissia.

Greece’s National Observatory, itself threatened by the wildfire, predicted temperatures of up to 38 degrees Celsius on Tuesday, August 13 with winds of up to 70 kilometres per hour.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned early from holiday due to the crisis amid citizens rallying to blame the government for the spread and destruction of the wildfires.

“Every year we are doing our best to improve, but unfortunately conditions are becoming more difficult,” Mitsotakis said after an emergency cabinet meeting on Tuesday, August 13.

Source: The Australian.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

The Greek passport (for Aussies) debacle: Part One

For quite a while now, I've been hearing complaints from Greek Australians about long delays in obtaining a Greek passport.

Harry Mavrolefteros’ First Education wins ‘Business of the Decade’ at National Awards

First Education, founded by Harry Mavrolefteros, was awarded 'Business of the Decade' at the 2025 Australian Small Business Champion Awards.

Little Legs Foundation sets monopoly World Record in memory of Alegra Vasiliou

The Little Legs Foundation officially set a new Guinness World Record for the most people playing Monopoly in a single venue.

Hellenic Medical Society of Australia’s Careers Day returns to inspire students

The Hellenic Medical Society of Australia invite all year 9-12 students to attend the HMSA ‘Pathways to Success’ Careers Day.

Melbourne man charged for impersonating police officer and assaulting families

Franesko Vamvakaris appeared in Ringwood Magistrates Court on Monday, facing charges of impersonating a police officer and unlawful assault.

You May Also Like

Greek tips to boost your immune system

As the coronavirus spreads, we are reminded to reduce exposure with other people, and take care of ourselves if we get sick.

Outgoing Ambassador of Greece in Australia honoured with prestigious Grand Cross

Archbishop Makarios of Australia met with the outgoing Ambassador of Greece in Australia, George Papacostas on Thursday, February 22.

Maria Sakkari one step closer to Olympics dream after beating Stojanovic

Maria Sakkari is through to the next round of the Tokyo Olympics after crushing her Serbian opponent, Nina Stojanovic, in straight sets.