ATHENS – The northern fringes of the Greek capital are ablaze as a major forest fire rages out of control. With hundreds of firefighters and over two dozen water-dropping planes in action, the battle against the inferno continues relentlessly.
As the fire department evacuated a children’s hospital and a military hospital early Monday morning, residents in more than a dozen areas, including Marathon and several Athens suburbs, were issued evacuation orders. Temporary accommodations were arranged in sports halls and hotels for those affected by the flames.
Media reports mention injuries sustained by two firefighters and several civilians requiring hospital treatment for smoke inhalation. The smoke from the fire engulfed the center of Athens, casting a shadow over the city.
Fueled by dry conditions after intense heat waves and a dry winter, the fire began on Sunday, quickly spreading due to strong winds reaching Athens in no time. The record-breaking temperatures from June and July, followed by an exceptionally warm winter, have heightened the risk of wildfires in Greece.
Meteorologists and government officials have issued warnings about the increased wildfire danger due to weather conditions lasting until Thursday. Half of the country is on “red alert” for the risk of wildfires, as stated by Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias.
More than 500 firefighters along with specialized wildfire combat teams, supported by numerous vehicles and volunteers, are battling the flames. A fleet of 29 water-dropping planes and helicopters are deployed in waves to contain the fire, which at times reaches towering heights.
The fire department emphasizes the importance of following evacuation orders to ensure safety, preventing situations where trapped individuals require rescue, endangering firefighting efforts.
Wildfires are a common occurrence during Greece’s dry summers, but climate change is leading to larger and more frequent fires. Tragic events like the 2018 Mati fire and last year’s deadly blazes highlight the urgent need for heightened wildfire prevention and response measures.
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