NEWS

Strong winds hampering firefighting efforts in East Attica

Strong winds hampering firefighting efforts in East Attica

Firefighters in the Greek capital were battling two large wildfires in the East Attica towns of Saronikos and Nea Makri, as authorities evacuated villages and homes standing in the path of the former blaze.

In the municipality of Saronikos, south of Athens, the fire service has evacuated the villages of Feriza and Olympos, as well as a care home for special needs children, after a large wildfire broke out earlier in the day in the area of Kalyvia.

The municipal authority added in a post on Facebook that homes and businesses were also being evacuated in Anavyssos, Drosia, Agiasmothi and other areas that were deemed to be at risk.

Saronikos Mayor Petros Filippou said the blaze has already damaged several homes, adding that the wildfire is spread out over a large area and that strong winds are only making it harder to bring it under control.

Another blaze was also testing firefighters in Nea Makri, though the situation was reportedly better that at Saronikos. The local authority said that the fire has been brought under partial control but is still spotted, raising fears of flare-ups.

Subscribe to our Newsletters

Enter your information below to receive our weekly newsletters with the latest insights, opinion pieces and current events straight to your inbox.

By signing up you are agreeing to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.