Wildfire Spreads Near Athens, Prompting Evacuations
A wildfire erupted in a northern suburb of Athens on Saturday, leading to evacuation orders for some residents, according to Greece’s fire service.
People living in the town of Kryoneri, located 12.5 miles (20km) northeast of the capital, received multiple emergency alerts directing them to move to safer areas, stated fire service spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakoyannis.
Local reports showed homes engulfed in flames. Vathrakoyannis confirmed: “There have been reports of damages. A full assessment will be made once the fire is under control.”
He cautioned that “the toughest challenges are still ahead,” noting that Greece had requested six firefighting aircraft through the EU civil protection system.
At the scene, 145 firefighters, 44 fire trucks, 10 planes, and seven helicopters were working to contain the blaze, which remains under investigation. Four ambulances treated at least five residents, primarily elderly individuals with breathing difficulties.
High temperatures nearing or exceeding 38°C, paired with dry conditions and strong winds, intensified the flames.
Vathrakoyannis warned that wildfires under such circumstances “spread rapidly and turn hazardous.” Similar weather patterns are expected in the coming days.
Meanwhile, fire crews are also combating three other large fires—two on Greece’s biggest islands, Crete and Evia, and one on Kythera, northwest of Crete. At least 335 firefighters, 19 planes, and 13 helicopters are assisting, though operations are limited to daylight hours. A total of 52 wildfires were recorded nationwide in the past day, the spokesperson added.
In recent years, Greece has faced frequent wildfires, many causing significant damage. Several incidents have already occurred in the last month.
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