Flames continue to spread out of control in the area of Porto Germenos, in western Attica, while the fire has reached very close to residential areas.
As Top Channel correspondent Aleksandër Marku reports, authorities have sent several warning messages through the emergency number 112, ordering the evacuation of several coastal and rural areas. Twelve people, who were stranded near the coast, were transported by watercraft to a safe area.
So far, there are no reports of injuries from the fire in Porto Germeno. However, the material damage is extensive. According to a local government representative, a preliminary assessment estimates that between 100 and 150 homes have been burned.
The operation involves around 500 firefighters, specialized forestry teams, volunteers and over 130 vehicles. Firefighters from France and Romania are also on the ground as part of the European support mechanism.
19 aircraft and 11 helicopters were mobilized for the aerial intervention, but strong winds, reaching up to force seven, prevented flights and water dumping.
Large areas of forest have been scorched, while hundreds of small fires remain active. Authorities warn that they could cause new outbreaks overnight.
Greece has been battling dozens of wildfires this week. In Crete alone, according to satellite data, around 45,000 acres of land have burned.
Due to the very high risk, Attica, Viotia and Evia have been placed on a “Code Red” alert for Sunday. Authorities are calling on citizens to follow emergency instructions and messages without delay.