The outskirts of Athens are now threatened by a large wildfire that was declared out of control on Monday. A series of small fires broke out around Varnava in northeastern Attica, spreading to areas near Athens due to winds and destroying everything in its path, including large structures. There are hundreds of firefighters battling the flames, but not much can be said yet, as fires reach the courtyard of the National Observatory of Athens in Penteli.
“The fire has gone beyond the pure forest area, as it has now entered a residential area. It has the characteristics of an urban fire. We are seeing schools and houses burning, which are different conditions,” said the president of the Panhellenic Federation of Firefighters, Nikos Lavranos.