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Wildfire Near Athens Poses Major Threat to Communities

A wildfire raging near Athens poses a significant threat to local communities, prompting evacuations and emergency responses. Stay updated on the latest developments and safety measures as authorities work to contain the blaze.

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Wildfire Threatens Communities Near Athens

Firefighters in Greece are engaged in a relentless battle against a significant and rapidly spreading wildfire that ignited near Athens on Sunday. This fierce blaze has already caused considerable damage to buildings and generated flames that soared more than 80 feet into the air, as reported by local authorities.

The fire erupted in Varnava, a town situated less than 30 miles north of Athens by road, and it quickly escalated due to strong winds, according to Greece’s national fire service. In response to the imminent danger, evacuation orders were issued for residents in multiple communities.

As night fell on Sunday, the fire continued to spread, in some instances encroaching dangerously close to residential areas, as detailed by Colonel Vassilios Vathrakogiannis, a spokesperson for the fire service. The flames posed a significant threat to Lake Marathon, a crucial reservoir that supplies water to Athens. The fire service has issued warnings about the potential for strong winds, which could exacerbate the situation.

In a poignant moment, two women were seen embracing in Varnava after being rescued from the encroaching flames. Credit: Angelos Tzortzinis/Agence France-Presse — Getty Images

Greece is currently grappling with an exceptionally hot and dry summer, which has led to an increased frequency of wildfires across the nation. The national authorities have indicated that several regions, including Athens, are likely to experience an “extreme fire risk” on Monday, marking the highest level of danger in the country’s five-tier fire risk system.

Over the weekend, a staggering forty wildfires erupted across Greece within a 24-hour span. Colonel Vathrakogiannis noted in a Sunday news release that 33 of those fires were swiftly contained. “Today has been a highly challenging day,” he remarked.

The response to the Varnava wildfire has involved a coordinated effort of approximately 400 firefighters, alongside a substantial number of volunteers, forest commando teams, and an aerial fleet comprising 16 aircraft and 13 helicopters. However, the precise size of the fire has not been disclosed.

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