Firefighters Battle Wildfire Near Athens, Greece, Arson Suspected

by Yuliya Talmazan | June 15, 2009 at 12:20 pm

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Wildfires are burning near the Greek capital of Athens. Over a hundred firefighters are battling the wildfires that started on Saturday when temperatures approached 30 degrees Celsius. Evacuations are in effect for farmers and residents to clear the dangerous area. Homes and power lines are threatened. There are fears the fires will reach Athens. Strong winds are pushing fires north toward the capital.

The most recent reports indicate that firefighters have been successful in containing the fires. The Fire Service suspects arson might be the cause of the blaze.

Firefighters are battling wildfires in the centre of Greece that have burnt through forest, farmland and vineyards and threatened homes.

The outbreak on Saturday, several kilometres from the city of Thebes, is being fought on four fronts and caused black smoke to be seen in the sky for miles.

Farmers and residents were told to evacuate the area, although no casualties were immediately reported.

The fires were pushed towards the town of Ritsona, north of Athens, the capital, by strong winds.

More than 100 fire-fighters were battling the flames while eight aircraft and two helicopters dropped tonnes of water to drown the blaze, which raged unabated for more than three hours.

The Fire Service said the cause of the fire was not immediately known but said authorities were investigating reports of arson.

Source: news24.com