Devastating Wildfires in Northern Athens Claim Lives and Threaten Urban Areas
Greek authorities have discovered a charred body at a company site in Vrilisia, a northern suburb of Athens, following a fierce fire that has since been brought under control. Initial reports indicate that the victim may be a 60-year-old woman, the owner of the company where the remains were found, although this identification is pending due to the condition of the body, according to a spokesperson for the Firefighters to EFE.
As of Tuesday, the situation regarding the fire has improved significantly, with officials reporting no active fronts, only hundreds of smaller hotspots remaining. Over 700 firefighters, supported by 200 trucks, six planes, and six helicopters, continue to work in the area, monitoring for any potential rekindling of the flames spurred by strong wind gusts.
The fire erupted on Sunday in Varnava, located approximately 40 kilometers north of Athens, and rapidly spread southward, reaching urban areas of the capital. This prompted the evacuation of more than 50,000 residents and resulted in the destruction of over 10,000 hectares of land. Devastating images released by the Greek press show vast scorched forests, devastated homes, businesses, and burnt vehicles.
Reinforcements of aerial resources and firefighters from countries including France, Italy, Serbia, the Czech Republic, Turkey, and Romania are set to arrive today, mobilized through the European Union Civil Protection Service, according to Efsyn newspaper. Reports highlight that over 30 individuals have been hospitalized for respiratory issues related to smoke inhalation, while one firefighter suffered severe burns on his feet and hands, with another sustaining minor injuries.
In addition to the evacuations, three hospitals—one pediatric with 24 children, a military hospital, and another with 23 patients—as well as several children's camps in the Penteli area, had to be evacuated due to the threat posed by the wildfire.
Wildfires are a common occurrence in the outskirts of Athens during the summer months; however, this incident marks the first time a fire has approached so closely to the city center, disrupting the urban landscape. While current temperatures are reported to be normal for the season, two extreme heatwaves in June and July saw temperatures climb above 44 degrees Celsius in many regions, severely drying out vegetation and elevating the risk of wildfires.
Greece suffered a tragic summer last year when wildfires consumed a record-breaking 160,000 hectares, which accounted for about 12% of the entire territory, resulting in the loss of 28 lives. The recurring nature of these wildfires raises ongoing concerns about safety, preparedness, and the impact of climate change on extreme weather patterns in the region.
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