A devastating forest fire has engulfed a local school on the outskirts of Athens, Greece, just hours after residents were evacuated from the area. The school in the northeastern suburb of Nea Penteli was seen on fire with thick smoke rising into the sky. A TV crew reporting from the scene had to pull back as the flames continued to rage.
The fire, which started as a forest fire on Sunday, has now spread closer to the city at a rapid pace, prompting the evacuation of thousands of people. Several important establishments such as a children’s hospital, a military hospital, two monasteries, and a children’s home were evacuated, and emergency alerts were sent to mobile phones in the area.
The mayor of Marathon, Stergios Tsirkas, described the situation as a ‘biblical catastrophe’, marking it as the worst incident to occur in the Athens area this summer. Evacuation orders were issued for various suburbs of Athens as the flames continued to spread uncontrollably.
Despite the efforts of 670 firefighters and specialized teams, the fire was still burning on two separate fronts, with some areas being particularly challenging to access. The deployment of over 190 vehicles, 17 water-dropping planes, and 16 helicopters provided aerial support in combating the fire.
Greek authorities have requested assistance from Croatia and Spain as multiple explosions from parked cars and fuel tanks are creating new flare-ups. Additionally, the water pressure in the affected areas is decreasing, adding more challenges to the firefighting efforts. The Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by Civil Protection has predicted a very high risk of fire for the regions of Attica and Central Greece in the coming days.
The situation remains critical as the fire continues to pose a threat to lives and properties in the area. Authorities are working tirelessly to control the blaze and ensure the safety of residents. The support and cooperation of neighboring countries are crucial in managing the crisis and preventing further damage.
As the community faces this devastating event, it is important for individuals to come together and support those affected by the fire. Donations, volunteering, and spreading awareness about fire safety measures can make a significant difference in mitigating the impact of such disasters. The resilience and unity of the community will play a vital role in overcoming this challenging time. Let us stand together in solidarity and extend a helping hand to those in need.
