The situation is particularly dire in Dionysos, where firefighting efforts are concentrated. Despite these efforts, the fire continues to spread, and at dawn, the Penteli Children’s Hospital was evacuated. The fire’s intensity has overwhelmed local resources, necessitating further assistance from neighbouring areas.
One firefighter, working in Marathon, was seriously injured and transported to the 251 General Aviation Hospital with second-degree burns on his arms and legs. The burns are severe enough to require treatment from plastic surgeons.
In the Varnavas area, at least 20 houses have been destroyed, with one burning within the settlement itself. Panagiotis Katsikis, a volunteer firefighter, reported seeing homes, cars, and animals consumed by the flames. “The fire is very strong,” he told MEGA, expressing concern that without aerial support, the blaze could burn unchecked for several more days.
The Fire Department’s spokesperson, Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, highlighted the challenges faced overnight: “All the Civil Protection forces fought hard, but despite their superhuman efforts, the fire developed rapidly. It has now moved towards Penteli, entering the Penteli mountain.” Vathrakogiannis added that at 4:52 am, residents of Palia and Nea Penteli, Melissia, Politia Ekali, Drafi, and Nea Erythrea were alerted to prepare for evacuation. By 5:10 am, further orders were issued for the evacuation of residents from Nea Penteli to Melissia and from Old Penteli to Vrilissia. Subsequent messages instructed the evacuation of Drafi, Dioni, and Damarasi Rafina towards Marathon Avenue, and from Dau Pentelis and Agios Spyridonas towards Rafina.
As of now, 510 firefighters, supported by 16 forestry teams, 152 vehicles, and numerous volunteers, are battling the blaze. With daylight, 29 aircraft are expected to take to the skies in coordinated efforts to contain the fire. However, strong overnight winds have exacerbated the situation, and their intensity is expected to increase, creating even more hazardous conditions. Authorities have urged residents in affected areas to follow evacuation orders without delay.
Traffic in eastern Attica has been heavily disrupted due to the fire, with multiple road closures and diversions in place, including significant arteries such as Marathon Avenue and Dionysos Avenue.
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