Wildfires spread, destroying homes and cars, Greece calls for help

Residents in the suburbs of Nea Penteli and Vrilissia wore face masks to protect themselves from the smoke, and tried to use water hoses to put out the fire around their homes. This was the first time the fire had come so close to the area.

landslides, homes and cars destroyed, greece calling for help, picture 1 — Wildfire in Athens on August 2, 2024. Photo: AP

“This is the first time the fire has come here. I took my children to a friend’s house to be safe,” said Melina Kritseli, a civil servant who lives in the Patima Halandriou neighbourhood.

Television footage showed cars on fire and roofs of houses on fire as firefighting helicopters flew overhead to tackle the blaze. The situation was dire and Penteli mayor Natassa Kosmopoulou warned the fire was getting closer to public buildings.

Greece has officially appealed for assistance from the European Union (EU). Units from Italy, France, the Czech Republic and Romania have been sent to help, while help from Spain and Türkiye is on the way.

The fire started on Sunday afternoon in Varnavas, about 35 kilometers northeast of Athens, and spread with flames reaching 25 meters high thanks to strong winds. More than 700 firefighters with nearly 200 fire trucks and more than 30 aircraft are trying to control the blaze.

This year’s wildfire season in Greece has seen dozens of fires a day. Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias has warned that half the country is at high risk of wildfires due to high temperatures, strong winds and drought conditions. Temperatures in Athens are expected to reach 39C on Monday, with winds gusting up to 50km/h.

Scientists say human fossil fuel emissions are exacerbating the duration, frequency and intensity of heatwaves around the world, leading to longer fire seasons and larger areas of burned land. Other parts of Europe are also experiencing high temperatures, including France, Italy and the Netherlands.

Cao Phong (according to Reuters, CNA, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/chay-rung-lan-rong-thieu-rui-nha-cua-va-xe-hoi-hy-lap-keu-goi-giup-do-post307468.html