The fire, which started at around 15:00 yesterday, spread rapidly due to strong winds in the region. The fires in Greece, which experienced its hottest June and July since records began in 1960, have led to half of the country being put on “red alert”. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his vacation and returned to Athens on Sunday evening to deal with the crisis. Firefighters spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis told the press that by Sunday afternoon, firefighters had quickly extinguished 33 of the 40 fires that broke out in the past 24 hours. However, he noted that seven fires were still burning.
STATEMENT FROM THE GREEK FIRE BRIGADE
The Greek Fire Brigade said in a statement: “All Civil Protection forces fought an intense fight throughout the night and despite superhuman efforts, the fire has progressed rapidly and is now advancing towards Penteli. Therefore, at 04:52, a message was issued to the residents of the settlements of Palia and Nea Penteli, Melissia, Politia Ekali, Drafi and Nea Erythrea to be ready. At 05:10, a new message was issued to the residents of the settlements from Nea Penteli to Melissia and from Palia Penteli to Vrilissia to evacuate. At 05:13, a new message was issued to the residents of the settlements of Drafi, Dioni and Damarasi Rafina to Marathon Avenue and at 05:40, a new message was issued to the residents of the settlements of Dau Pentelis and Agios Spyridonas to Rafina. “Residents in the Anthousa area were informed shortly before 05:45 to be ready,” it said.
CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL AND MILITARY HOSPITAL ARE BEING EVACUATED
The fire department announced at 05:59 local time that the children’s hospital and the military hospital in Penteli were evacuated. The Greek Fire Department announced that 510 personnel, 16 forest teams, 152 vehicles, many volunteers and 29 aircraft were involved in the fire. It was reported that dangerous runs continued in the region due to the strong winds that blew throughout the night.
HALF OF THE COUNTRY IS UNDER “RED ALERT”
Meteorologists and government officials had warned citizens about increasing forest fires due to weather conditions until Thursday, with Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias stating that half of the country would be under “red alert”.
INTENSIVE INTERVENTION IN FIRES CONTINUES
More than 500 firefighters, 152 fire trucks, many volunteers, 17 firefighting planes and 15 helicopters are responding to the fire that broke out yesterday afternoon. Police had evacuated more than 200 people, mostly elderly people who had ignored warnings, from the fire that damaged many houses.
(AA-DHA-İHA)