Forest fire damages homes, forces evacuations near Athens

·

Authorities are counting the toll after a wildfire swept through a pine forest north of Athens on Tuesday. 

The fire has run up damages in the area, forced evacuations, and blanketed Athens in smoke before firefighting personnel was able to bring it under control. 

“It was a difficult and dangerous fire,” Civil Protection chief Nikos Hardalias said.

“Fire crews had to operate between inhabited areas and between homes … The fire is currently receding, but is still burning at several different sites.”

(Source: Skai.gr)

Over 300 firefighters were joined by eight water-dropping planes and twelve helicopters to help extinguish the blaze.  

A lull in wind conditions also helped contain the fire on Tuesday. 

Residents in the Stamata area – 30km north of Athens – received cellphone alerts and were urged to keep doors and windows closed to shut out smoke and prevent sparks before they were evacuated. 

The cause of the fire isn’t clear but local reports of arson are being investigated, authorities say. 

The fire department is currently on high alert in several parts of Greece with temperatures set to soar to 43 degrees Celsius in central Greece in the next few days. 

Source: Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

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

Advertisement

Latest News

John Stamos explores his Greek heritage in emotional documentary

In a new documentary, Hollywood actor John Stamos embarks on a personal journey to uncover his Greek ancestry.

Actor Adam Demos opens up on his exciting new role

Australian actor Adam Demos, takes on a new challenge in Rescue: HI-Surf, where he plays lifeguard Will Ready on O‘ahu’s North Shore.

Bauhaus-inspired revival for Athens’ Faliro Bay waterfront

The European Commission has approved €370 million in funding for the Faliro Bay Metropolitan Park in Athens.

Expansion work set to begin at Athens International Airport

Preliminary construction for the expansion of Athens International Airport is scheduled to commence in the first quarter of 2025.

Study ranks Greece among world’s scariest places to drive

According to a recent survey by Scrap Car Comparison, Greece ranks among the most nerve-wracking places to drive in the world.

You May Also Like

Kyriakos Mitsotakis on Turkey: ‘We are not destined to live in perpetual tension’

Mitsotakis said that Greece needs a strong government to ensure the continuation of the foreign policy it has pursued towards Turkey.

Will Greece and Turkey face off at NATO?

The Secretary of the Australian Hellenic Council, George Vardas, asks: Will Greece and Turkey face off at NATO?

‘Family was a big reason’: Kosta Barbarouses explains his return to Wellington Phoenix

Decorated A-League Men forward, Kosta Barbarouses, recently signed a two-year deal with Wellington Phoenix FC.