Athens’ worst wildfire of the year: Raging flames cause destruction

Athens’ worst wildfire of the year: Raging flames cause destruction

A devastating forest fire on the outskirts of Athens has been labeled as the worst fire in Greece so far this year. The fire, which started on Sunday afternoon, has rapidly spread across a 35-kilometer region in less than 24 hours, with flames reaching up to 25 meters high.

The blaze has prompted authorities to issue evacuation orders for suburbs and outlying areas of the Greek capital. A total of 685 firefighters, 190 fire trucks, and 32 aircraft have been deployed to combat the flames and prevent further damage.

FRANCE 24 correspondent Nathalia Savaricas described the scene as catastrophic, with the fire engulfing large swathes of land and posing a serious threat to nearby communities. The scale of the fire and the efforts required to contain it underscore the severity of the situation and the challenges faced by emergency responders.

As the fire continues to rage out of control, residents in the affected areas are urged to stay vigilant, follow evacuation orders, and cooperate with authorities to ensure their safety. The ongoing battle against the wildfire serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for heightened awareness and preparedness in the face of natural disasters.

Watch the video by FRANCE 24 English

Video “Raging Athens wildfire the ‘worst so far’ this year • FRANCE 24 English” was uploaded on 08/12/2024 to Youtube Channel FRANCE 24 English