Wildfires Rage Near Athens with Fear of More Outbreaks

Firefighting teams supported by aircraft are tirelessly working today, Wednesday, to contain an intense fire for the second day near the Greek capital, Athens. Authorities state that "heat and strong winds could cause more fires, which have claimed 20 lives in the country." The spokesperson for the fire department, Ioannis Artopios, mentioned: "The conditions remain difficult, and in some cases extremely challenging. All civil protection forces are still on high alert and battling the fires." He clarified that "202 firefighting personnel, supported by volunteers, alongside 65 vehicles and 15 aircraft, some of which were sent by Sweden and Germany, are trying to control the fire about 20 kilometers north of Athens near a village at the foot of Mount Parnitha." Today, the flames spread toward the town of Menidi, where 150 people were evacuated by bus from three care homes to hotels or other healthcare facilities.