An extensive forest fire broke out on Thursday south of Athens. The local authorities forced them to call on the evacuation of five surrounding municipalities, TASR writes, according to AP report.
The fire broke out in Palea Fokea, allegedly even in the populated area. The flames are fading a strong wind. Approximately 130 firefighters are struggling on the spot, which is also helped by about two dozen firefighters and helicopters. Local television broadcast shots according to which at least one house is burning on the spot.
The Coast Guard has informed that In the village there are two patrol boats and nine private vessels in case the sea evacuation is also needed. There is also a lifeboat.
“We tell people to leave their homes (in this area),” said a member of the local council Apostolos Padakis Greek public television ERT. Parts of the coastal road connecting Athens with Cape Sunion were closed and people were asked to leave the area with other routes. The local firefighter spokesman Vasilios Vathrakyannis said that The police have so far evacuated approximately 40 people, and evacuation calls were issued for a total of five areas.
Greece caught the first wave of summer heat. Temperatures reach up to 40 degrees Celsius, while for the entire metropolitan area of Athens, Like several islands in the Aegean Sea, the fourth of a total of five levels of the risk of fires was declared. Extreme heat is expected there at least until the weekend.
In recent days, the extensive fire has also burdened on the Greek island of Chios in the northeastern part of the Aegean Sea. He broke out there on Sunday, also requested evacuation and hundreds of firefighters managed to get under control after four days. In connection with this fire, they detained some Georgian, suspected of unintentional arson by discarding a cigarette.
