Monday, August 12, 2024

Since yesterday afternoon, the residents of northeastern Attica have been facing an extremely dangerous wildfire that we have been battling for over 20 hours under dramatic conditions. These challenges are due to the strong winds, prolonged drought, and the very difficult and rugged terrain of dense, unburned forest.

Currently, a fierce battle is being waged on two fronts: one in the area of Kallitechnoupoli and the other in the area of Grammatikos.

The situation is improved in the areas of Dionysos, Varnavas, and Mikrochori.

A total of 670 firefighters, 27 forest commando teams, 183 vehicles, and 32 aerial units (17 aircraft and 15 helicopters) are engaged in the operations. The winds remain strong today, raging at 7 Beaufort, and are expected to stay very strong in the coming hours.

I want to be clear: The response to the initial outbreak in Varnavas, both on the ground and in the air, was immediate. The first aerial unit, was already in the air on a loaded patrol,  and started operating just five minutes after the fire erupted. The first ground forces arrived within seven minutes. The forces were steadily reinforced, with the number of aerial units eventually reaching 29 and the firefighters exceeding 500.

Unfortunately, the prediction from the Risk Assessment Committee, which placed Attica and other regions of Greece on red alert, has been confirmed. We will continue with all our strength until the fire is under control and every last hotspot is extinguished.