A HUGE fire that broke out Sunday (August 11) in the town of Varnavas in Greece’s northeastern Attica region continues to rage, destroying many homes. The fire is spreading towards Lake Marathon, Attica’s main water reservoir.
Police said they managed to rescue 65 people who were trapped in their cars in the Varnavas area.
More than 315 firefighters, forestry command teams, 98 vehicles, volunteers and firefighters from Moldova and Romania, and 26 firefighting planes and helicopters are battling the blaze.
According to local firefighters, the fire spread quickly due to strong winds in the area. The forecast says the winds will continue to blow strong throughout the night.
“Currently, the fire continues to move towards Lake Marathon with forces being reinforced, focusing on the flanks of the fire and tackling flames that in some cases are more than 25 meters (82 feet) high,” fire department spokesman Vasilis Vathrakogiannis said at a press conference, as reported by Anadolu, Monday (12/8).
A message warning via the emergency number 112 has been sent to residents of the areas around Dionysos, Stamata and Rodopoli, encouraging them to evacuate.
Another fire that broke out earlier in the town of Megara in western Attica has been brought under control. (I-2)
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