Greece was on high alert on Monday (12/8) evening as a massive fire that started on Sunday (11/8) continued to burn through the northern outskirts of Athens, forcing Greece to formally ask the European Union (EU) for help on Monday.
“The EU civil protection mechanism was activated at the request of the Greek authorities,” European Commission spokesman Balazs Ujvari said in a statement. The request will bring in more firefighters and firefighting equipment.
More than 700 firefighters have been battling the blaze, supported by specialist teams and armed forces personnel.
Greece's fire season has started early due to a heatwave that lasted in June and July, putting a strain on the country's firefighting forces.
“Firefighters have been working at full speed for months,” said Nikos Lavranos, head of Greece’s main firefighters union. “They are exhausted.”
“The situation is still very difficult,” said Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, a fire department spokesman. “Sparks are constantly appearing, starting new fires and spreading rapidly, aided by very strong winds.”
Evacuation orders were issued Monday to residents in the outskirts of Athens, Greece.
Dry pine forests and strong winds helped fan the flames, making it difficult for firefighters to control the blaze. (ab/lt)
