Athens fires: state of emergency declared around Greek capital
Athens fires: state of emergency declared around Greek capital
Wildfires continue to blaze around Athens. A state of emergency has been declared in the Athens region as multiple fires burn across an area 50km wide.
Almost all of those in Agios Stefanos, 14 miles north east of Athens, have fled the area, reports the BBC. The fires are fanned by strong winds and are believed to be the worst since 2007, when around 70 people were killed.
Dozens of homes have been destroyed by the flames. The fires are reported to have retreated from the capital's suburbs and are burning on forest land. However, the unpredictable winds mean that populated areas could still be at risk.
The fires are thought to have started on Friday night near the town of Marathon. The flames spread on Saturday and by Sunday morning houses were on fire in the Athens suburbs of Drafi, Pikermi and Pallini. Yesterday, the police told the residents of Agios Stefanos to head immediately to Athens.
An Athens official told the local media that over 30,000 acres of land have been burnt. Hundreds of firefighters and soldiers attempted to tackle the blazes over the weekend, but they were too numerous and too widespread to contain.
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