Drop in Winds Fuels Hope in Ongoing Battle Against Major Wildfire Near Athens

A significant wildfire has swept through the northern suburbs of Athens, resulting in at least one fatality and prompting numerous evacuations. The fire, exacerbated by swirling winds, has challenged the efforts of hundreds of firefighters and dozens of water-dropping planes. The fire department reported finding a body in a burnt building in Vrilissia but provided no further details.

Fire's Origin and Spread

The blaze began near Lake Marathon, approximately 35 kilometres northeast of Athens, on Sunday. It spread across Mount Pendeli and reached the northern suburbs of the capital, destroying several homes and businesses. By late Monday night, a decrease in wind speed offered some hope as officials noted progress against the fast-moving fire.

Greek firefighters received reinforcements from other countries after Athens requested international assistance. France sent a helicopter and 200 firefighters with 28 fire trucks, Italy contributed two water-dropping planes, and the Czech Republic dispatched 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles. Serbia, Romania, Turkey, and Spain also prepared to send aid.

Impact on Residents and Infrastructure

A blanket of smoke and ash covered central Athens, causing power outages that affected traffic lights at major intersections. Authorities reported that at least 18 people were injured, primarily due to smoke inhalation as the fire reached suburban areas. Greece's National Observatory stated that satellite images showed the fire had affected around 10,000 hectares.

Three hospitals, including a children's hospital, two monasteries, and a children's home were evacuated on Monday afternoon. Cellphones in the area received at least 30 push alerts warning residents to evacuate. "The wind would go in one direction and then in the other," said Spyros Gorilas, a resident who tried to protect his home from the flames.

Firefighting Efforts

More than 700 firefighters, supported by 27 special wildfire teams and armed forces personnel, battled the flames using 190 vehicles, 17 water-dropping planes, and 16 helicopters. Three hospitals in Athens were on high alert while paramedics treated five firefighters for minor burns and breathing issues. At least 13 civilians also received medical attention.

The coast guard redirected all ferries from a nearby port serving several Aegean Sea islands to another harbour. Sports halls and hotels were converted into evacuation centres. Police officers assisted in evacuations, helping move over 250 people away from the flames' path.

Historical Context

The Marathon area, known for its historical significance due to the famous battle between Greeks and Persians in 490 BC, hosts a museum and archaeological site. However, there were no immediate reports of damage to these sites from the fire.

Meteorologists have warned of increased wildfire risks due to weather conditions expected to last until Thursday. Wildfires are common in Greece during its hot, dry summers but have become more frequent and severe due to climate change. In 2018, a massive fire in Mati resulted in over 100 deaths as people tried to escape by car or swimming away from the flames.

Last year’s wildfires claimed more than 20 lives in Greece, including 18 migrants trapped by flames while trekking through a forest in northeastern Greece. Wildfires also affected neighbouring North Macedonia and Albania on Monday due to high summer temperatures and strong winds.

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias described it as "an exceptionally dangerous fire," fought under dramatic circumstances for over 20 hours. Some areas on Mount Pendeli were particularly difficult to reach.

Authorities noted that some residents who refused to evacuate later became trapped and needed rescuing, putting firefighters' lives at risk. The affected areas are typically home to thousands of residents; however, it was unclear how many had left for vacation or stayed behind despite evacuation orders.

The Athens Medical Association advised those with chronic conditions, elderly individuals, pregnant women, children, and those with respiratory or heart problems to exercise extra caution amidst the ongoing crisis.

The wildfire crisis continues to strain Greece's firefighting resources as they battle multiple blazes across the country amid challenging weather conditions.