ATHENS: Two giant wildfires have been burning Sunday (Jun 30) close to Greece’s capital of Athens, and authorities despatched emergency messages for some residents to evacuate and others to remain at house and shut their home windows to guard themselves from smoke.
The primary blaze, southeast of Athens, started within the early afternoon. Native authorities stated it burned at the very least 4 properties and several other automobiles. No casualties have been reported by 1800 native time.
The blaze was approaching the port of Lavrio about 60 kilometers (37 miles) southeast of Athens. The area has suffered from wildfires in recent years. A small forest to the south, close to Cape Sounio, additionally may very well be in peril.
A second, fast-moving fireplace later started north of Athens close to the suburb of Stamata. It was burning via scrubland and forest and shifting up 1,100-meter (3,600-foot) Mount Penteli, one in every of 4 mountains ringing the capital space.
A complete of 230 firefighters, 17 planes and 12 helicopters have been attempting to place out each fires, the Fireplace Service stated. The planes and helicopters can solely function in daylight.
Sizzling and dry climate, mixed with sturdy winds, are serving to unfold the fires. Temperatures within the low 30s Celsius (excessive 80s Farenheit) are anticipated to rise Monday and Tuesday.
Wildfires have change into an annual function within the Mediterranean. Earlier this month, Greece and Turkey saw large fires.