Dozens of animal lovers rushed to rescue animals from a shelter that was threatened from a wildfire. The fire broke out Saturday noon at the feet of mountain Hymettus in eastern Athens and threatened the shelter in the municipality of Vyronas that hosts some 70 dogs.
On social media, the shelter of Vyronas called on people to go there with lεashes and helped them rescue the dogs.
Animal welfare organizations forwarded the call for help and people dropped everything they were doing on Saturday and rushed to the shelter with lεashes, food and water.
The animals were in danger not only due to the fire but also due to the thick smoke.
Also a van from the Vyronas municipality was sent to the shelter.
“We took about 70 dogs to safety because they were in danger due to the smoke,” Maria Podara, in charge of the Vyronas shelter told protothema. “There were many people interested in fostering the dogs, people’s response was very moving and we thank them very much.”
She said that they evacuated the shelter out of fear and were able to take the dogs to a safe place with the help of the municipality.
some of the dogs were taken in foster care.
The shelter did not suffered any damage but the fire came dangerously close to some kennel.
The fire broke out Saturday noon and started burning low vegetation. It quickly spread due to strong winds blowing with 5-6 Beaufort.
At some point it neared houses in Vironas and Kareas.
Over 62firefighters with 22 fire truck, 2 teams on the ground, volunteers, 5 helicopters and 2 Canadair aircraft operated until early evening, until the fire was extinguished.
