- One dead as wildfires rage across Athens suburbs
- The body, believed to be a woman, was found in a shop in Vrilissia, a town in northern Athens
- Thousands have been evacuated as the fires threaten homes, businesses, and schools
- While the main fire front in the north-eastern Attica region, which includes parts of Athens, has been contained, numerous smaller fires remain active, particularly around Marathon and Penteli
One dead as wildfires rage across Athens suburbs
Fierce wildfires in the suburbs of Athens killed one person on Monday as flames spread rapidly across northern parts of the city. The body, believed to be a woman, was found in a shop in Vrilissia, a town in northern Athens, according to fire service sources.
Thousands have been evacuated as the fires threaten homes, businesses, and schools, with authorities warning that the blazes could persist into Tuesday. While the main fire front in the north-eastern Attica region, which includes parts of Athens, has been contained, numerous smaller fires remain active, particularly around Marathon and Penteli.
Fire service spokesman Col Vassilios Vathrakogiannis cautioned that conditions for new fires remain dangerous throughout the week. Over 700 firefighters, supported by nearly 200 fire engines and 35 waterbombing aircraft, have been battling the blazes since they erupted on Sunday, about 35km (22 miles) north of Athens.
On Monday alone, fires broke out in 40 different locations, with flames reaching heights of up to 25 meters (82 feet). Two firefighters have been treated for burns, and smoke from the fires has forced Athenians to wear facemasks. Ground operations continued through the night as aircraft were grounded due to poor visibility.
#Greece: the aftermath of #wildfires that reached the northern suburbs of #Athens yesterday leaving burnt-out cars, homes & businesses. pic.twitter.com/SprvsgfMIh
— Jessica Parker (@MarkerJParker) August 13, 2024