Massive fires near Athens force evacuations, PM returns urgently
6:39 PM EDT, August 12, 2024
Massive fires are sweeping through Greece. The firefront near Athens now extends over 12 miles, and evacuations of additional towns are being ordered. Due to the catastrophe, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urgently returned to Athens. Five hundred and sixty firefighters are battling the spreading blaze.
The fire, which broke out on Sunday afternoon in Varnavas, located about 22 miles north of Athens, is approaching the Greek capital. The fire brigade reported that the blaze reached Mount Penteli.
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of several towns on the northeastern outskirts of Athens, as well as some hospitals and monasteries. The situation is complicated by strong, shifting winds (around 32-38 mph), which, according to meteorologists, will blow even harder throughout the day. The height of the flames exceeds 82 feet.
The operation involves 560 firefighters supported by volunteers and 32 firefighting planes and helicopters, reported AMNA agency. Due to the "critical situation," the prime minister urgently returned to Athens from his vacation in Crete, government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis announced.
Challenging days ahead for Greece
One firefighter was injured during the firefighting operation. There are also reports of people affected by smoke inhalation.
At night, police rescued 180 people from areas threatened by the fire. Data published by the Meteo.gr service indicates that the smoke from the fire in Attica spread over 186 miles to the southwest.
On Saturday, Greek Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vasilis Kikilias warned that Greece is facing a very tough week in terms of fires. He announced that half of the country would be in a zone of very serious fire risk.
