Hundreds of firefighters in Greece are battling to control a large wildfire that erupted near Athens over the weekend. Officials are urging residents to evacuate to safety as fierce flames consume homes and char the trees that grace the historic landscape.
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The fire ignited on Sunday near Lake Marathon, approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of Athens. It spread across Mount Pendeli, reaching the northern suburbs of the capital. The blaze damaged multiple homes and businesses in the city’s outskirts and nearby communities around the lake.
Greece heightened its state of alert, but by late Monday night, a decrease in winds provided a glimmer of hope as officials reported progress against the massive, rapidly advancing blaze that generated flames soaring over 80 feet.
International Forces Are Set to Aid in the Greek Wildfires
Greek firefighters are set to receive support from international forces as early as today, following Athens’ request for assistance and the activation of Europe’s mutual civil protection mechanism.
According to the AP, France is sending a helicopter, 200 firefighters, and 28 fire trucks to assist Greece. Meanwhile, Italy is providing two water-dropping planes. The Czech Republic is contributing 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles. Serbia and Romania are preparing aid, and Turkey plans to dispatch two firefighting planes and a helicopter. Spain is also arranging reinforcements for Greece.
On Monday afternoon, three hospitals—including a children’s hospital—along with two monasteries and a children’s home were evacuated. Residents received at least 30 push alerts on their phones urging them to evacuate the area.
Authorities reported that at least 18 individuals were injured, primarily from smoke inhalation, as the fire spread to the outskirts of a suburb. According to Greece’s National Observatory, satellite images released late Monday indicate that the blaze has impacted approximately 25,000 acres.
Three hospitals in Athens were placed on heightened alert as paramedics treated five firefighters for minor burns and breathing difficulties, along with at least 13 civilians. The Athens Medical Association urged individuals with chronic conditions, the elderly, pregnant women, children, and those with respiratory or heart issues to exercise extra caution.
Meteorologists have issued warnings about the heightened risk of wildfires due to weather conditions from Sunday through Thursday. Additionally, on Monday, numerous wildfires erupted across various regions of Greece.
Wildfires occur frequently in the Mediterranean country during its hot, dry summers. However, authorities have indicated that climate change is exacerbating the intensity and frequency of these blazes.