Wildfires Threaten Greek Capital as Mount Parnitha Burns
Mount Parnitha, the largest forest near Athens, is under threat as wildfires continue to ravage the area, prompting evacuations and leaving residents on edge. The flames have reached the outskirts of Menidi, a suburb close to a military camp, and have destroyed homes in nearby areas. As the fire spreads, authorities ordered evacuations for three nursing homes in Menidi, prioritizing the safety of vulnerable residents.
The situation has worsened with the strong winds, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the blaze. Stathis Topalidis, the deputy mayor of Menidi, expressed concern over the unfavorable weather conditions, stating, Unfortunately, the wind does not help at all. Fire department spokesman Yiannis Artopios described the conditions as extreme, emphasizing the challenging nature of the firefighting efforts.
The reach of the wildfires extends beyond the capital, with fires also blazing in the industrial zone of Aspropyrgos, west of Athens. In addition, fires in the northeastern region of Evros, near the Turkish border, continue to spread unchecked, endangering the Dadia forest, known for its rare birds of prey. More evacuations have been ordered in the region overnight as efforts are underway to protect both human lives and the natural environment.
Amidst the chaos, unverified rumors circulating on social media have wrongly blamed migrants for the fires. Taking these allegations seriously, Greece’s Supreme Court Prosecutor has ordered an investigation into both the causes of the fires and any claims of racism towards migrants. Just yesterday, three individuals were arrested in northern Greece for forcing undocumented migrants into a cargo trailer while urging others to do the same through a video posted on social media. The possibility that the 18 people found dead in a forest fire near the Turkish border were migrants is also being investigated, as no local residents had been reported missing.
The widespread devastation caused by the fires is alarming. Over 40,000 hectares (nearly 99,000 acres) of land were destroyed between August 19 and 21 alone, according to the National Observatory of Athens. The situation remains critical as hot and dry conditions persist, increasing the risk of further fires. Meteorologists predict these conditions will continue until Friday.
The Greek government, along with firefighting and rescue teams, are working tirelessly to tackle the fires and protect affected communities. International support has also been offered, with countries including France, Spain, and Cyprus sending assistance to battle the wildfires. The priority remains the safety and well-being of the population, as well as the preservation of Greece’s natural beauty.
As the situation unfolds, updates on containment efforts, further evacuations, and the investigation into the fires’ causes are eagerly awaited. The resilience and unity of the Greek people, combined with the international support received, give hope that the wildfires will eventually be brought under control, allowing the affected areas to recover and rebuild.
