Greece extinguishes last of Athens wildfire

While most of the fire fronts have been brought under control, officials remain vigilant against the possibility of flare-ups. Nikos Lavranos, head of the Greek federation of fire service employees, stressed the ongoing efforts to prevent any rekindling of the flames, given the vast area affected.

A general view of Nea Penteli suburb of Athens following the wildfire. (AP photo)

Government inspectors have been assessing the damage to buildings and infrastructure. Many residents who have returned to their properties are facing significant losses. Some areas are still experiencing power outages, and fire-stricken locals, like 78-year-old Giannis Tsiminis, are dealing with extensive damage to their homes and personal belongings.

The wildfire, which damaged approximately 10,000 hectares (24,710 acres) of land, has left a substantial impact on the region. The cause of the blaze has not yet been determined.

Vapor rises as a firefighter sprays water near burned vehicles inside a damaged business in Penteli. (AP photo)

With Greece on high alert due to forecasted temperatures reaching 40°C (104°F) and anticipated strong winds, there are concerns about the potential for further flare-ups.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the military airport of Elefsina to thank firefighting aircraft pilots and acknowledge their crucial role in combating the blaze. He highlighted the broader climate crisis affecting Greece and emphasized the need for ongoing improvements in firefighting resources.

Two men try to extinguish the flames at a burning business during the fire in northern Athens. (AP photo)

The government has announced compensation and relief measures for those impacted by the disaster but has faced criticism from opposition parties regarding the adequacy of current firefighting capabilities and equipment.

This year has seen a significant increase in wildfires across Greece, with over 3,500 incidents reported since May, compared to 2,300 during the same period in 2023. The rapid spread of the wildfire on Sunday, which reached Athens’ suburbs and historic areas, was exacerbated by a phenomenon called “spotting,” where wind carries burning debris across long distances, leading to the creation of new fire fronts.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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