A firefighter battles a wildfire raging in Ntaou village, Penteli, Greece, 19 July 2022. Ninteen fire engines crewed by 50 firefighters, 5 water-dropping helicopters and 11 5 water-dropping airplanes were out battling the blaze, while strong winds are blowing at the spot. EPA-EFE/GEORGE VITSARAS Wildfire Rages in Mountains Near Greek CapitalEleni StamatoukouAthensBIRNJuly 20, 202210:19 A fire in the mountainous region of Penteli near Athens has been burning uncontrollably since Tuesday.
Wildfires have raged since Tuesday in Penteli, a mountainous area near Athens. The speed of the winds has reached over 80 km per hour and their intensity and constantly changing direction has made dealing with the blaze even more difficult.
Police try to evaquate a village while a wildfire is raging in Ntaou village Penteli, Greece, 19 July 2022. Ninteen fire engines crewed by 50 firefighters, 5 water-dropping helicopters and 11 5 water-dropping airplanes were out battling the blaze, while strong winds are blowing at the spot. EPA-EFE/GEORGE VITSARAS
Some 600 locals have been transferred to a safer place, Ioannis Artopoios, from the Fire Service, told Athens Macedonian News Agency.
A woman pours water on small trees while a wildfire is raging in Ntaou village, Greece, 19 July 2022. Ninteen fire engines crewed by 50 firefighters, 5 water-dropping helicopters and 11 5 water-dropping airplanes were out battling the blaze, while strong winds are blowing at the spot. EPA-EFE/GEORGE VITSARAS
“It was a difficult fire, which all Civil Protection forces fought all night, in extremely adverse conditions,” said Artopoios, noting that the first priority is the safeguarding of human life and the protection of critical infrastructure.
Firefighters battle a wildfire raging in Penteli, Greece, 19 July 2022. Ninteen fire engines crewed by 50 firefighters, five water-dropping helicopters and 11 5 water-dropping airplanes were out battling the blaze, while strong winds are blowing at the spot. EPA-EFE/KOSTAS TSIRONIS
A man aged around 80 killed himself when he saw his house burning, reported media outlet Kathimerini. No other injuries have been reported, but at least 10 houses have been burned.
Local youths and volunteers react during a wildfire that is raging in Penteli, Greece, 19 July 2022. The wildfire is now blazing in two fronts, said the Fire Brigade. Residents in the areas of Anthoussa have been instructed to evacuate towards the area of Gerakas, while residents in the areas of Dioni and Dassamari have been told to evacuate towards Palini, via 112 emergency text alerts. EPA-EFE/GEORGE VITSARAS
Some 485 firefighters with 28 ground teams as well as volunteers and 120 fire engines are operating in the field, the Fire Service says. Romanian firefighters are at the scene as well.
Source link: balkaninsight.com
