A devastating wildfire broke out northeast of Athens on Sunday, casting a dark shadow over the city as the acrid smell of smoke filled the air. The fire, which ignited around 3 p.m. local time, is located approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the Greek capital.
Over 400 firefighters, supported by 110 fire engines and numerous volunteers, are tirelessly battling the blaze. By late afternoon, 15 firefighting planes and nine helicopters were deployed to combat the flames, but operations were halted at sunset.
The fire is rapidly advancing towards Lake Marathon, a crucial water reservoir that supplies Athens. Fire officials reported that the flames, fueled by gale-force winds, have soared to heights exceeding 25 meters (80 feet). Several homes have already been damaged, and residents in nearby villages have been urged to evacuate through emergency text alerts.
As a precautionary measure, authorities also issued evacuation warnings to residents in certain northern suburbs of Athens. Police have evacuated over 200 individuals, predominantly elderly citizens and those who initially disregarded the evacuation notices.
Meanwhile, a separate fire that erupted west of Athens has been successfully contained, providing a glimmer of hope amidst the ongoing crisis.
The perilous combination of scorching temperatures and arid conditions, exacerbated by strong winds, has significantly heightened the risk of wildfires. Greece experienced its hottest June and July on record, following the warmest winter in the country's history.
Meteorologists and government officials have issued dire warnings about the elevated wildfire threat due to prevailing weather conditions from Sunday through Thursday. Approximately half of the nation is under a 'red alert,' underscoring the urgent need for vigilance and preparedness in the face of this environmental emergency.
