Devastating Wildfire Near Athens Claims Life and Destroys Vast Woodlands
Firefighters battled on Wednesday to extinguish the remnants of a wildfire near Athens that has taken a tragic toll, claiming the life of a woman, destroying buildings, and forcing thousands to flee their homes. Although most of the fire fronts had eased three days into the blaze which began, officials cautioned against complacency, as the fire remains active and has not yet been brought under control.
State inspectors have begun assessing the damage to buildings as fire-stricken residents return to their scorched properties, hoping to salvage belongings amidst the charred debris. Hundreds of firefighters, supported by 12 aircraft, have been working tirelessly since Sunday to manage the blaze, which originated from a forest near the town of Varnavas, located about 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the capital.
Greece's National Observatory reported that the fire has ravaged approximately 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) of land. The exact cause of the wildfire remains undetermined, but the nation is under heightened alert until Thursday, with temperatures expected to rise to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit), raising concerns regarding possible flare-ups.
Wildfires have become a distressingly common occurrence in Greece during the summer months, a trend exacerbated by climate change, which has ushered in hotter temperatures and reduced rainfall, increasing the risk of future fires. Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis noted that Greece has witnessed over 3,500 fires since May, reflecting a nearly 50% increase compared to the same period in 2023, which recorded 2,300 blazes.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis convened a meeting with ministers to address the ongoing situation. "We are trying to improve every year, but conditions are only becoming tougher," he stated. The fire swiftly spread across multiple fronts, reaching several key areas, including the seaside location of Nea Makri, the historic town of Marathon, and suburbs nestled on Mount Penteli, one of Athens' last remaining green spaces.
On Monday, authorities discovered a woman's body inside a burned local business in the suburb of Vrilissia, approximately 10 kilometers from central Athens. In response to the disaster, the government announced compensation and relief measures for those affected.
Experts speculate that the fire spread rapidly due to a phenomenon known as 'spotting,' where swirling winds propel burning materials over long distances, resulting in the creation of new fire fronts that eventually converge. The battle against this relentless blaze continues as firefighters and officials work diligently to mitigate the damage and protect the remaining communities.
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