Balkans | Forest fires in Greece: Flames rose from 81 points in and around Athens

The forest fires that broke out yesterday in neighboring Greece continued. The fire, which broke out at 81 points near the capital, Athens, has reached the settlements. While teams continued to respond to the flames, many people were moved to safe areas. No casualties or injuries were reported in the fires so far.

While Turkey was fighting forest fires in 8 provinces, news of a fire came from neighboring Greece.

The forest fire, which started in the Kovaras district, 27 kilometers southeast of the capital, Athens, spread to an area of ​​12 kilometers within two hours, driven by the winds.

The fire also spread to residential areas. Many homes were burned to ashes. More than 100 people were transferred to safe areas.

With the impact of the intense heat wave and wind, the flames also reached the barns. The animals were evacuated from the area by truck.

Approximately 135 firefighters returned fire, along with 50 fire engines, 40 soldiers and 13 aircraft.

The fire was also extinguished from the air.

Coast Guard teams patrolled the coast. The boats were ready ashore to be used when needed.

A forest fire also broke out in the coastal town of Loutraki, west of Athens.

1,200 children were evacuated from the summer camp and those in the rehabilitation center.

Air support for the firefighting effort was also provided here.

No injuries or injuries were reported in the fires.

Greece’s prime minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, said that while he was on his way to Brussels for a leaders’ summit, he was constantly briefed on the fires, which he also attributed to climate change. He urged citizens to abide by the rules of civil protection.

“Today was a really tough day this summer,” said Mitsotakis. The sequel is sure to come. The fires were and will continue to be one of the consequences of the climate crisis that we are going through so badly,” he said.

In 2018, 101 people died in a forest fire in Mati, Greece.

NTV