Athens, Greece — Forest fires that raged in the outer suburbs of Athens over the weekend have been brought under control, firefighters announced on Monday.
Fanned by strong winds reaching up to 70 kilometers per hour and exacerbated by dry conditions, two fires ignited on Sunday at the seaside resort of Keratea, east of the capital, and in the suburb of Stamata. The blazes prompted authorities to carry out evacuations as flames threatened residential areas.
Tragically, a 45-year-old man died of cardiac arrest while attempting to flee the flames in Stamata. Several houses and cars were destroyed in the fires, leaving local communities grappling with the aftermath.
Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fires, battling challenging weather conditions. The swift response by emergency services and the coordinated efforts of local authorities were instrumental in preventing further loss of life and property.
Residents who were evacuated are now beginning to return to assess the damage. The government has pledged support for those affected, and investigations are underway to determine the exact causes of the fires.
Wildfires are a recurring issue in Greece during the summer months, often fueled by high temperatures, dry weather, and strong winds. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and adhere to safety guidelines to prevent future incidents.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
