One dead as Keratea wildfire consumes over 1,500 hectares

·

A massive wildfire that broke out early Friday afternoon in Keratea, on the eastern outskirts of Athens, has killed one person and caused widespread destruction.

According to the National Observatory of Athens, the blaze scorched 1,581 hectares of forest and grassland between Keratea and Anavyssos before being brought under control early Saturday.

The fire claimed the life of a 76-year-old man and damaged homes, vehicles, and other property.

Authorities warn that fire risk will remain extreme on Sunday in the greater Athens area, Viotia, and Evia, according to the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.

Investigators from the Fire Service’s Arson Investigation Unit believe sparks from a severed medium-voltage cable owned by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE) ignited dry grass at the base of a utility pole.

Two DEDDIE employees detained on suspicion of negligence in network maintenance were released Sunday by order of the prosecutor, who has requested further investigation to determine whether criminal charges should be filed.

Security footage from a nearby house reportedly shows no vehicles passing in the ten minutes before the fire began.

In a separate incident, another large wildfire in Ilia, western Peloponnese, burned nearly 800 hectares of farmland and forest before being contained on Saturday.

Source: Ekathimerini.

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

Australian Championship launch unites clubs and fans ahead of inaugural season

The inaugural Australian Championship was officially launched at Lambert Park, Leichhardt on Tuesday, September 23,

Sofia in Santorini, like ‘Emily in Paris’… but in Greece

“How did I come to Greece with no money, no accommodation, no plan?” asks Sofia Marroquin in one of her viral videos.

Melanie Tzoukas named Rising Star at Randwick Volunteer Awards

At just 12 years old, Melanie Tzoukas has been recognised as a leader and role model in her community, taking home the Rising Star title.

Bourke St survivor denied compensation as TAC disputes link to Gargasoulas rampage

The TAC is refusing to compensate a young woman who narrowly avoided being struck during James Gargasoulas’ 2017 Bourke St rampage.

Sydney Silver Screen: A night with local filmmaking legends

The 30th Greek Film Festival of Sydney, proudly presented by Benchmark Greek Law, has announced an exclusive and intimate evening. 

You May Also Like

Michael Turner: Curator of the LEGO Acropolis

The LEGO Acropolis model holds more than 120,000 bricks and took about 300 hours to build.

NSW Government encourages everyone to celebrate their grandparents

Grandparents Day is right around the corner and the NSW Government is encouraging everyone to take celebrate their grandparents.

Nightclub owner Ross Glynatsis faces community service after being found guilty of gun possession and drug supply

Sirens Nightclub owner Ross Glynatsis faced Gosford Local Court after already pleading guilty to eight weapons and drug offences.