Two major fires have broken out in Attica, one near Mount Imittos, in the Kareas area, while the other one in Koropi. Another major fire continues to rage in Laconia. The Fire Brigade is struggling to contain the flames, which are being fueled by strong winds.
The fire near Imittos reportedly broke out in an area between the Vyronas Cemetery and Katechaki Avenue, where there is low vegetation. The fire is in a residential area and the strong winds are pushing towards Imittos. About 40 fire fighters with 15 vehicles and two helicopter have been dispatched. Dramatic video footage shows that houses are going up in flames.
Meanwhile, another forest fire broke out in Koropi, in a area with pine and olive trees. A total of 25 fire fighters and ten vehicles have been committed to the extinguishing the fire. Latest reports indicate that this fire is under control.
The Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras is reportedly headed to the operation command center in order to be updated on the fire fighting efforts. The Minister of Productive Reconstruction, Environment and Energy Panagiotis Lafazanis has headed out to the area.
Fire Brigade officials stated that witnesses reported explosions, suggesting that the fire may have been set by arsonists. Reports also suggest that Greek authorities have requested assistance from Italy and France. Fire fighters are also trying to evacuate about 40 nun from the St. John the Baptist Monastery in the area.
