Wildfire Near Athens Devastates Land, Triggers Evacuations

Firefighters are working to control a devastating wildfire near Athens that has killed one woman, destroyed property, and caused thousands to evacuate. The fire has charred thousands of acres. Experts attribute its fast spread to a phenomenon called spotting. Greece remains on high fire alert due to extreme heat.

Firefighters continue to battle the remnants of a wildfire near Athens that has claimed a woman's life, destroyed buildings, and devastated woodland, forcing thousands to evacuate.

Although the fire fronts have eased since the blaze began on Sunday, officials warn the danger isn't over. 'The fire is still in progress. It has not been brought under control yet,' stated a fire brigade official.

State inspectors have started to assess the damage as fire-stricken residents return, hoping to salvage some belongings from the debris. Hundreds of firefighters aided by 12 aircraft have been combating the blaze, which started in a forest near Varnavas, 35 km from the capital, and spread into Athens' northern suburbs.

Greece's National Observatory reported that the fire has damaged around 10,000 hectares of land. The cause remains undetermined, and Greece is on high fire alert until Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach 40 degrees Celsius, raising concerns of potential flare-ups.

Wildfires have become a frequent occurrence during Greek summers due to climate change, which has increased temperatures and decreased rainfall. Greece has faced over 3,500 fires since May, a 50% increase from the same period in 2023, said government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis chaired a meeting on the latest blaze, emphasizing, 'We are trying to improve every year. But conditions are only becoming tougher.'

The fire rapidly spread across several fronts, reaching Nea Makri, Marathon, and Mount Penteli suburbs on Sunday. A woman was found dead in a burned local business in Vrilissia on Monday.

The government has announced compensation and relief measures. Experts attribute the fire's rapid spread to 'spotting,' where wind transfers burning debris, creating new fronts. (Editing by Crispian Balmer)

(With inputs from agencies.)