Athens :A major forest fire raged in north and east of Athens killing at least one and displacing thousands. The fire began on Sunday in Mount Pentelicon, 32 kilometers north of the Greek capital and rapidly spread to south overnight. The flames have engulfed at least 20km area.
As fire tore towards residential areas of the capital, authorities evacuated thousands of people from towns, villages and hospitals. Fire-fighting became extremely difficult in the face of gale-fore winds despite forest commandos, 700 fire tenders, 30 aircrafts and an army of volunteers trying to bring the fire under control.
On Tuesday however, with winds easing, authorities said the firefighters have been able to contain the fire into “localised blazes”.
An Olympic stadium in northern Athens was opened to lodge the evacuees. Meanwhile, the firefighters found a body in the debris of a building in Vrilissia. The identity is not established yet. 13, including a firefighter, is hospitalised fori njuries.
