Greece: Athens suburbs evacuated as wildfires spread

Some 670 firefighters and more then 30 water-dropping aircraft were out at first light in Greece on Monday as a dozen suburbs of Athens were evacuated due to ongoing wildfires.

The European Union said four countries would send firefighters to Greece after Athens asked for help. 

Fires threaten northern Athens outskirts

Thick grey smoke surrounded Mount Pentelicus — famed for the marble used on the Acropolis — as strong winds fanned a wall of flames from the wildfire. 

"Civil protection forces battled hard throughout the night, but despite superhuman efforts, the fire evolved rapidly," fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said.

Residents of Marathon and several other towns directly north of Athens were ordered to flee to safety, while a children's hospital and a military clinic were also evacuated.

Marathon's Mayor Stergios Tsirkas called disaster a "biblical catastrophe."

At least two firefighters have been injured since the blaze broke out on Sunday, and several civilians had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The wildfires were threatening to engulf the heavily populated area just north of Athens, as well as the woodlands surrounding Mount Pentelicus.

Later on Monday, the 30-kilometer (20-mile) long wall of flames, was moving dangerously close to the capital according to public broadcaster ERT.

Help from EU and Turkey

The scale of the challenge prompted Greece to ask the EU to help, with the Czech Republic, France, Italy and Romania sending units to help.

"The EU civil protection mechanism was activated upon request of the Greek authorities," EU spokesman Balazs Ujvari said in a statement.

French Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said France would send a helicopter, 180 civil security personnel, and 55 fire engines to Greece.

Greek officials said Italy would send two water-dropping planes, with the Czech Republic lending 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles. Spain and Turkey are also finalizing reinforcements to send to Greece.

Climate change increasing likelihood of wildfires 

The bone-dry conditions in Greece were expected to continue on Monday, with temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Strong winds have also been pushing the fires, which darkened the skies over Athens.

Greece is coming off the warmest winter in history, as well as the hottest June and July on record. Climate breakdown is expected to make wildfires more common and deadly, particularly in warm and arid places.

Last year, 28 people died and 75 were injured in some 80 wildfires that swept the popular tourist island of Rhodes.

es/nm (AP, AFP, Reuters)