A massive forest fire is currently raging on the northern fringes of Athens, the capital of Greece. The fire, which began on Sunday afternoon, has spread rapidly due to strong winds and dry conditions caused by previous heatwaves this summer. This comes after Greece experienced its hottest months on record in June and July, as well as its warmest winter.
Hundreds of firefighters, along with water-dropping planes, are working tirelessly to contain the blaze. The fire has led to the evacuation of hospitals and residential areas, with some parts proving difficult to reach due to the mountainous terrain.
The fire department has deployed over 670 firefighters, supported by teams specially trained to combat wildfires, as well as members of the armed forces. In addition, more than 30 water-dropping planes and helicopters are providing aerial assistance.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for several areas, including Marathon and various suburbs of Athens. Hospitals have been put on high alert to treat any potential injuries, and evacuation centers have been set up in nearby suburbs to accommodate those displaced by the fire.
The police department is also assisting in the evacuations, ensuring the safe removal of residents from affected areas. Despite the challenging conditions, emergency services are urging residents to follow evacuation orders to prevent endangering their lives as well as the lives of firefighters.
This wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the increasing threat of wildfires in Greece, exacerbated by climate change. In recent years, the country has experienced devastating fires that have claimed many lives, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to mitigate the impact of such disasters.