Greece’s worst fire of the year killed one person and was still raging on the outskirts of Athens, although diminishing winds and firefighting activities had helped to curb its intensity, authorities said.
Hundreds of firefighters supported by fire engines and water-dumping planes were engaged in a battle against the inferno that broke out on Sunday near Varnavas, a village located just 35 km (20 miles) north of Athens. The fi re destroyed homes, cars and vast stretches of bone-dry forest.
Boosted by strong gale winds, the fire crossed a wooded hilly region into the suburbs yesterday, smothering the city in smoke and ash causing panic in places where there hasn’t been such a close city center fire for decades.
It reached Vrilissia yesterday, about 14 km (8 miles) from central Athens, where one person was found dead according to the fire brigade service.
What caused this wildfire has yet to be determined.
The winds are expected to pick up again later today as high temperatures threaten much of Greece throughout tomorrow. However strong gusts are supposed to be hitting up to 40 degrees Celsius (104 degrees Fahrenheit).
“There is an overall improvement but there are still many fronts in different areas,” a fire department official said.
For years now Greek summers have been characterized by wildfires but climate change is making them hotter and drier which is ideal for big fires like these.
This year the southern European country witnessed its warmest winter ever recorded while heading for its hottest summer with little or no rain in most regions for months on end.
The situation deteriorated across southern Europe including Spain and Balkans.
Burnt-out houses, ruined vehicles and scorched fields were left behind by Greek blaze. Proto Thema local newspaper estimated that 100 square kilometers (39 square miles) including 100 homes were affected.
The European Civil protection mechanism has been activated by Greece which expects help from France, Italy plus Czech Republic through aircrafts and fire fighters. Spain and Turkey have also offered help.
Over 30 areas had to evacuate, together with at least three hospitals, while power outages were reported across parts of greater Athens. Passenger ferries heading for Rafina port northeast of the capital were re-routed.
At least 250 people have been evacuated with some of them spending the night in shelters.
