Large-scale, uncontrollably raging wildfire outside the Greek capital

On Monday, hundreds of firemen fighting an enormous forest fire that was out of control on the northern outskirts of the Greek capital were supported by over thirty water-dropping planes. Suburban homes and hospitals were evacuated.

Driven by powerful winds, the fire that erupted on Sunday afternoon raced through pine woods that had been scorched to a crisp by this summer’s frequent heat waves, following an exceptionally dry winter. In addition to having its warmest winter ever, June and July of this year were the hottest months ever recorded in Greece.

As of mid-morning, the fire was primarily raging on two fronts, according to Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias. Some of the fire was blazing in extremely hard-to-reach places on a mountain northeast of Athens.

“An exceptionally dangerous fire, which we have been fighting for more than 20 hours under dramatic circumstances,” Kikilias added, confronted the authorities. The really high winds made things worse.

According to the fire service, 670 firemen were fighting the fire with the assistance of 27 teams that had been particularly trained to deal with wildfires and more than 80 personnel of the military forces. Over 180 vehicles were put into service, while over 30 helicopters and water-dropping planes provided aerial support.

In addition to more than a dozen locations, including Marathon and many Athens suburbs, evacuation orders were issued for a children’s hospital, a military hospital, two monasteries, and a children’s home. These locations were evacuated early on Monday. In preparation for any possible casualties, three hospitals in Athens were placed on high alert.

Two firemen were reported to have minor injuries by the local media, while other people received medical treatment for smoke inhalation.

More surrounding areas were placed on alert for possible evacuation, and authorities there built at least one sports center and were offering evacuees lodging in hotels.

According to the police department, more than 250 individuals had been moved by mid-morning thanks to the assistance of 380 police officers driving 77 vehicles, including 36 motorbikes, three buses, and four vans,away from the path of the flames. It posted a video on its social media channels showing police officers carrying elderly people in their arms out of houses and to waiting vehicles, against a backdrop of a night sky turned red from the flames and smoke.