The Greek fire department stated on Saturday that dozens of its members are battling to prevent a forest fire from spreading and reaching a nature reserve in a mountainous forest area on the outskirts of the capital, Athens. An official from the department mentioned that about 80 firefighters, supported by 10 water-dropping planes, are attempting to control the blaze, which has erupted on Mount Parnitha, approximately 20 kilometers north of Athens, fueled by strong winds.
Vasilis Vathrakogianis, a spokesperson for the fire department, said during a televised briefing, "Large numbers of ground forces are fighting a massive fire." He added that winds exceeding 100 kilometers per hour are hindering their efforts. It is expected that 100 firefighters stationed elsewhere in the country will join those already working on-site.
A thick cloud of smoke has appeared in the skies over Athens, which is surrounded by mountains, but a local official stated that the fire does not threaten homes. Kostas Zoubos, the deputy governor of the Athens region, told state television, "The situation is stable for now." Authorities have advised residents to stay away from forest areas amid the hot and windy weather affecting many parts of the country. Meteorologists say that the winds are not expected to calm down before Sunday.
Forest fires are common in Greece, but they have become more destructive in recent years due to increasingly hot, dry summers and winds, which scientists link to the effects of climate change.
