Athens, 12 August 2024 (TDI): As a massive wildfire advances to Athens, thousands of Greek citizens are being forced to flee their houses, with some of the flames reaching heights of up to 25 meters (80 feet).
The emergency services have rescued citizens from various regions, including the historic site of Marathon.
According to the fire department, houses and other properties were on fire in the nearby town of Varnavas.
Additionally, firefighters freed individuals caught in flames from a convoy of twenty to twenty-five vehicles that were attempting to flee the scene.
Since Saturday afternoon, forty fires have started in Greece, and firemen are now fighting seven of them.
At an emergency news briefing early on Monday, fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis stated that although the firefighters worked nonstop through the night, “the fire evolved rapidly.”
To assist in fighting out the fire, more than 150 trucks and more than 500 firefighters have been sent in.
The renowned marble quarry of Mount Penteli and the nearby suburb of the same name, which has three hospitals evacuated, are the current targets of the fire, he said.
There is a brown smoke cloud covering parts of the capital.
Also read: US Orders Submarine, Aircraft Carrier to Rush to Middle East
Furthermore, Mr. Vathrakogiannis stated that the winds were likely to continue to be severe until Monday morning and to remain so throughout the night.
The most blistering June and July on record occurred in Greece recently.
Minister of climate change and civil protection Vassilis Kikilias issued a warning that the dangerously high temperatures would not end.
Shortly after his vacation ended, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned to Athens on Sunday to address the problem.
By 19:00 BST, the Sunday afternoon wildfire in Varnavas had consumed 100 square kilometers (38 square miles) of land.
The national emergency number sent out a message directing residents of Varnavas and Grammatiko to evacuate.
The residents of Marathon, a historic town, were also instructed to flee to Nea Makri, a seaside village.
Although five people were sent to the hospital due to breathing issues, one Marathon firefighter was treated for second-degree burns on his arms and legs.
According to a Polydendri villager, “everything is blazing.”
Giorgos Tsevas, 48, said, “I had 200 olive trees there, but they’re gone now. Each and every one of the locals has destroyed their olive groves or vines.”
According to Nikos Anagnostou, another Varnavas resident, the fire’s front was “really massive” and “inexplicable,” “All of the olives are burned. For olive oil this year was an excellent year.”
As per Mr. Vathrakogiannis, a spokesman for the fire department, winds as high as 8 Beaufort (39-46 mph) on Sunday rapidly spread the fire to an enormous extent.
“We’re requesting to everyone who lives nearby. They must follow the directions of the authorities for their own safety and because the fire is spreading quickly.” As Mr. Vathrakogiannis said.
The operation’s firefighting aircraft were having an extremely difficult time working because of the heavy winds, and it looked like the wildfire would remain uncontrolled through the night.
