A huge fire that broke out at Varybobi and Thrakomakedones yesterday is now under control. According to the Fire Brigade the fire broke out late on Monday evening, just before 11pm, in a forest area of Varybobi in the Municipality of Acharnes. The Fire Brigade’s aircraft are trying to restrict the fire before it spreads to Parnitha.
The strong winds in the area have helped fuel the flames, creating a nightmarish scene. At around 4am on Tuesday, the fire was approaching Thrakomakedones and a blood donation center had to be evacuated.
Fire Brigade officials are worried that the fire might spread from the north, towards the Agia Kyriaki settlement, where access is limited. Local residents are also facing electricity outages, as the power grid has been affected.
The Fire Brigade announced to the press that about 20 days ago an unsuccessful attempt was made to set a fire in the same area. It was also reported that between 6am on Monday and 6am on Tuesday 62 forest fires have broken out.
The Governor of the Attica Fire Brigade has been on site since the fire broke out. Minister of Public Order Nikos Dendias will attend a meeting at the Fire Brigade’s Operation Center at 11:30, to be updated on the development of operations.
So far the fire has claimed 10 houses, with many more having suffered serious damages. The Fire Brigade has committed 122 fire fighters with 61 vehicles, 96 fire fighters on foot, 20 volunteers with 10 vehicles, 15 municipal water trucks, 10 private water trucks and 60 soldiers with 3 army vehicles. They are supported by 10 aircraft, two Chinook and one Super Puma helicopters. Reinforcements are expected from Thessaloniki, Komotini and other areas of Greece.
