Attica Region Faces Raging Wildfires

Mapping data from NASA shows the extent of wildfires raging across Attica. Source: NASA

Greek police have deployed significant forces to evacuate citizens at risk in areas affected by the large fire that has been burning since Sunday in northeastern Attica.

The fire, which broke out yesterday afternoon in the town of Varnava in eastern Attica, continued to rage on Monday. Driven by intense winds, reaching 7 to 8 on the Beaufort scale, the fire expanded this morning into a front extending over 30 kilometers.

Source: NASA

According to the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias, fire brigades are now battling the blaze on two fronts: Kallitechnoupoli and Grammatiko in eastern Attica.

Due to the fire, the areas of Nea Penteli and Palaia Penteli were evacuated around 5:00 AM, followed by orders to evacuate the settlements of Drafi, Dioni, Dasamari, Daou Penteli, Kallitechnoupoli, Agios Spyridon, and Anatoli Nea Makri. The Penteli Children’s Hospital, the 414 Military Hospital, the Monastery of Agios Ephraim in Anatoli, and the Monastery of Penteli were also evacuated.

During the night, flames spread through the northern suburb Dionysos, where several homes were reportedly destroyed. Houses in Kalendzi Marathon also caught fire.

During an update on Monday, Minister Kinilias said the situation in Dionysos, Varnavas, and Mikrohori has since improved.

A total of 670 firefighters, supported by 32 aerial units (17 water-dropping planes and 15 helicopters) and 183 vehicles, are engaged in the effort.

A special platform created by the Hellenic Chamber of Hotels has been set up for the temporary accommodation of those affected by the fire in Attica. Applications can be submitted here.

Fire victims can also be informed about accommodation options on the Civil Protection telephone number: 213 20 47893.