Cyprus ready to help Greece as massive wildfire threatens Athens

Cyprus is prepared to assist Greece as a major wildfire rages northeast of Athens, causing significant disruption and damage. The Cyprus Fire Service, led by Chief Fire Officer Nikos Longinos, is in close contact with Greek officials, including Lieutenant General Theodoros Vagias of the Greek Fire Brigade, to coordinate potential support efforts.

On Sunday, thick smoke and soot cloaked Athens as the wildfire, which started around 3 p.m. local time, burned fiercely approximately 35 kilometers (22 miles) from the Greek capital. The blaze, fueled by gale-force winds, has intensified rapidly, with flames reaching heights of up to 25 meters (80 feet), according to Fire Colonel Vassileios Vathrakogiannis.

Firefighters are battling the blaze with over 250 personnel, 67 fire engines, 12 planes, and six helicopters. The fire threatens Lake Marathon, a crucial water reservoir for Athens, and has already led to damage to an unknown number of homes. Authorities have issued evacuation warnings via emergency text messages to residents in nearby villages.

Another wildfire that erupted west of Athens has been successfully contained, Vathrakogiannis reported.

The extreme fire conditions are exacerbated by unusually hot and dry weather, compounded by strong winds. Greece has experienced its hottest June and July on record and its warmest winter, which, along with current weather conditions, has heightened the risk of wildfires. Meteorologists and government officials have issued a “red alert” for half of the country, cautioning that dangerous fire conditions will persist through Thursday, according to Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias.AP Photo

[Source: AP, Kathimerini.gr]