Monday, August 12, 2024

Good evening from the Fire Service Operations Center.

The wildfire that broke out yesterday afternoon in Varnava remains fully active, affecting many areas of northeastern Attica. The very strong winds, with gusts reaching up to 7 Beaufort, are making the work of civil protection forces on the ground extremely difficult.

Currently, the defense lines have shifted primarily to the fronts between Grammatikos and Marathon, as well as beyond Lake Marathon. There is also significant fire activity on the southeastern side, from Penteli towards the 414 Military Hospital, where the fire is exhibiting strong dynamics.

Additionally, more than 40 flare-ups have been recorded within the perimeter of the fire since the early morning hours today.

A total of 685 firefighters, supported by 27 forest commando teams, 190 vehicles, and volunteers, are operating with the assistance of all Civil Protection agencies.

Bulldozers have been deployed by the Authority of Attica Region and the General Staff of National Defense to create firebreaks where possible, though the terrain often makes this difficult.

From the air, 33 aerial units are operating periodically, specifically 17 helicopters and 16 firefighting aircraft.

Since yesterday, ambulances from the National Centre of Emergency Care (EKAV) have been stationed around the perimeter of the fire. The General Hospital of Attica "Sismanogleio," the General Hospital of Athens "Georgios Gennimatas," and the General Hospital for Thoracic Diseases "Sotiria" have all been placed on heightened alert.

So far, since yesterday, EKAV rescuers and doctors have provided pre-hospital care to 15 individuals, 13 of whom had minor respiratory issues, while the other two cases involved firefighters—one with minor burns on the hands and the other with respiratory problems.

All cases were safely transported to medical facilities.

An order has been issued for all structures in Eastern Attica to be prepared for possible evacuation.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has activated a special platform for the temporary accommodation of those affected by yesterday's wildfire in Varnava.

Those in need can contact the hotline at 213-2047893 or submit an online application available on the website of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.

Additionally, a request from the National Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management to the Hellenic Coast Guard for the diversion of scheduled ferry routes to and from the port of Rafina to the port of Lavrio for today has been approved, to facilitate drivers and ensure the safety of ship passengers.

Twenty-six messages have been issued via the 112 emergency service, the latest two at 1:10 PM, instructing residents to evacuate the settlement of Nea Penteli towards Chalandri, and shortly thereafter, instructing the evacuation of residents from the settlement of Pefkofyto towards Agios Stefanos.

All Civil Protection forces remain on high alert.

Further updates will be provided as the situation develops.

Thank you.