Thousands of residents in the vicinity of Athens are facing urgent evacuations as a massive wildfire continues to blaze to the north, with flames reaching heights of up to 25 meters (80 feet). The historical site of Marathon is included among the areas where emergency services are relocating residents for their safety.
Reports indicate that homes and properties in the town of Varnavas are ablaze, prompting firefighters to assist those trapped by the inferno. A convoy of emergency vehicles has been deployed to rescue individuals attempting to flee the dangerous area.
Since Saturday afternoon, Greece has witnessed the outbreak of 40 wildfires, with firefighters still engaged in combating seven of these blazes. The country has declared a state of emergency, as the climate crisis intensifies with dangerously high temperatures contributing to unprecedented wildfire risks.
Minister of Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias has cautioned that perilous weather conditions are set to persist, following Greece’s hottest June and July on record. As the crisis escalates, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has returned to Athens from a brief holiday to oversee relief efforts.
As of Sunday evening, a wildfire that ignited in Varnavas had decimated 100 square kilometers of land. Residents in Varnavas and nearby Grammatiko received urgent evacuation orders via the national emergency number, while those in the historic town of Marathon were directed to flee towards the coastal area of Nea Makri.
Fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis emphasized the need for residents to follow official instructions for their own safety, noting the fire’s rapid advance fueled by winds of up to 8 Beaufort (39-46 mph). The current focus of firefighting efforts is on Marathon Lake, with reinforcements working to contain the flames.
A robust firefighting force comprising 165 personnel, nine teams on foot, 30 vehicles, seven aircraft, and five helicopters has been mobilized to combat the wildfire. However, strong winds are complicating aerial firefighting operations, with efforts expected to continue through the night amid prevailing severe weather conditions.
Medical facilities in Athens are on high alert, with parts of the city enveloped in a haze of smoke. Emergency services are prepared for ongoing challenges as the situation develops.
