Residents were ordered to evacuate on Tuesday noon when a forest fire broke out near the villages of Stamata and Agios Stefanos in north-eastern Athens in the foothills of Penteli mountain. According to the Fire Department, the fire is close to a residential area.
Short time later, one more forest fire broke out on Hymettus mountain in the outskirts of Vyronas and Kaisariani suburbs in the eastern Athens. According to latest information, the blaze there seems to be under control.
Firefighters rushed to the area with ground and areal means, as there are currently north winds blowing with intensity of 4 Beaufort.
At least 43 firefighters and 14 trucks are operating against the blaze assisted by two ground units, four aircraft and five helicopters.
Επιχειρούν 2 ερικσον #φωτια #σταματα pic.twitter.com/qWVkAkZGpk
— ΔενΕίμαιΔιαχειρίσιμη (@pn_antilogias) July 27, 2021
The mayor of Dionyssos/Stamata Giorgos Kalafatelis told Skai FM that the blaze was out of control and that has already reached some houses. He added that they cannot evaluate the damage yet.
Police has closed main roads in the area to traffic.
Residents of the north suburbs reported of strong smell of burning wood and some that ashes are falling from the sky.
There's ash falling from the sky in Athens, fire in the foothills of Penteli mountain. pic.twitter.com/oMu91r5P4J
— Athens Transport Μέσα Μαζικής Μεταφοράς στην Αθήνα (@athenstransport) July 27, 2021
Mayor Kalafatelis told ANT1 TV short after 1 o’ clock that the blaze has reached residential area and they are evacuating more residents.
The fire started near the cemetery, he said, but could not give more information. He appealed to strengthen the fire combating units and the aerial means “as the situation is very dangerous.”
Δεν ειναι καλα τα πραγματα…#σταματα #φωτια pic.twitter.com/b3l9DYbtFb
— Stelios Stravachilleas (@Stravinho_) July 27, 2021
Δεν ειναι καλα τα πραγματα…#σταματα #φωτια pic.twitter.com/b3l9DYbtFb
— Stelios Stravachilleas (@Stravinho_) July 27, 2021
The North-East wind blowing with 5 Beaufort is pushing the fire front towards Dionyssos, ANT1 reported.
The Fire Service said that they were called to combat 40 forest fires across the country in the last 24 hours.
According to Service statements, the average forest fires per day are 40-45 in the last couple of days.
