Massive fires in Greece. Tourists warned of ‘ring of fire’, thousands evacuated

Greece is battling a massive forest fire. The flames broke out on Sunday near the town of Varnavas, 35 kilometres north of Athens. Despite a quick response, firefighters were unable to contain the blaze, which spread to the nearby Pentelikon mountain range.

By Monday morning, the blaze had spread south and was raging on several fronts, including the village of Grammatiko, the ancient city of Marathon and the coastal municipality of Nea Makri. The fire is now approaching the capital.

600 fire engines have already been deployed to fight the flames, supported by 27 teams specially trained to extinguish fires and 80 members of the armed forces.

More than 30 planes and helicopters are also taking part in the operation.

Fire in Greece. Thousands of people evacuated

Thousands of residents were also evacuated for safety reasons. The rapidly spreading flames, fanned by heat and windy weather, consumed trees, houses and cars. Plumes of smoke were visible over Athens.

On Monday morning, a children’s hospital, a military hospital, two monasteries and an orphanage were also evacuated.

At least several people were admitted to hospitals on Monday due to breathing difficulties.

Greek Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias said the fire was spreading mainly on two separate fronts. The biggest difficulty was that some parts of it were located in particularly difficult-to-access mountainous areas northeast of Athens.

“Extremely dangerous fire”

– We are faced with an extremely dangerous fire that we have been fighting for over 20 hours in dramatic circumstances – said Kikilias

Authorities were faced with “an extremely dangerous fire that we have been fighting for more than 20 hours in dramatic circumstances,” Mr Kikilias added.

Three hospitals in Athens were put on heightened alert and firefighting aircraft resumed operations on Monday morning after an overnight hiatus.