Greece Battles Major Wildfire Threatening Athens Suburbs

Volunteers try to extinguish the fire in northern Athens, Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, as hundreds of firefighters tackle a major wildfire raging out of control on fringes of the Greek capital. (AP Photo/Ag

Firefighters in Greece are battling scattered fires as they work to contain the aftermath of a major wildfire that burned into the northern suburbs of Athens. The fire, which left at least one person dead, no longer has active, advancing fronts thanks to dying winds overnight. Firefighters are now focusing on extinguishing flames in hundreds of slow-burning areas.

Authorities are racing against time to extinguish as much of the blaze as possible before winds pick up again on Tuesday afternoon, with gusts predicted to reach up to 60-70 kilometers per hour. Reinforcements from various countries, including France, Italy, and Turkey, have arrived to support the firefighting efforts.

The wildfire began near Lake Marathon and spread across Mount Pendeli before descending onto the northern and northeastern suburbs of Athens. Tragically, the burned body of a woman was found in an industrial building in Vrilissia. More than a dozen people were treated for smoke inhalation, while five firefighters suffered light burns and breathing problems.

Evacuations were carried out swiftly, with three hospitals, two monasteries, and a children's home among the buildings cleared. Push alerts were sent to residents in several Athens suburbs, urging them to flee the approaching flames.

Focus on extinguishing slow-burning areas to prevent reignition.

Wildfires near Athens suburbs contained with dying winds.

International reinforcements from France, Italy, and Turkey assist firefighting efforts.

Tragic death of a woman found in Vrilissia industrial building.

Evacuations swiftly carried out, including hospitals and monasteries.

Record-breaking heat waves in Greece contribute to early fire season.

Climate change blamed for increasing intensity and frequency of wildfires.

2018 Mati tragedy and 2020 fires highlight ongoing wildfire risks in Greece.

Firefighters face challenges due to dry pine forests and strong winds.

The fire, fueled by dry pine forests and strong winds, posed a significant challenge to the hundreds of firefighters and water-dropping aircraft deployed to combat it. Dozens of homes and businesses have been reported as damaged or destroyed.

Greece has experienced record-breaking heat waves this summer, leading to an early start of the fire season and placing immense strain on the firefighting force. Meteorologists have warned of increased wildfire danger due to ongoing weather conditions.

While wildfires are common in Greece during the hot, dry summers, authorities attribute the growing intensity and frequency of blazes to climate change. Recent years have seen devastating wildfires, including the 2018 tragedy in Mati that claimed over 100 lives and last year's fires that killed more than 20 people.