The situation in parts of northeastern Attica remains extremely difficult due to the wildfires that have been raging since yesterday, according to an update from Fire Service spokesman Colonel Vassilis Vathrakogiannis.
“Reignitions and flare-ups are continuous, constantly creating new hotspots and spreading rapidly, aided by very strong winds,” Mr. Vathrakogiannis stressed, adding that “at present, firefighters are dealing with fronts in Daou Penteli, Old and New Penteli, Marathon towards Grammatiko, Dionysos and the Patima area of Vrilissia, while conditions have improved in Afidnes and Kalentzi.”
To combat the fires, 702 firefighters are working with 27 forest command teams, 199 vehicles, and volunteers, with the support of all civil protection agencies, Mr. Vathrakogiannis said. In addition, 35 aerial resources, namely 17 planes and 18 helicopters (including 3 for coordination), are operating regularly from the air. “It is important to emphasize that the fire perimeter is large and in many cases, the aerial assets are not visible due to their dispersion and dense smoke,” he said.
He also noted that 30 alerts have been issued via 112, the latest for the evacuation of residents from the settlements of New and Old Penteli, Chalandri Patima, Vrilissia Patima, Krassa in Upper Vrilissia, as well as from Dionysos and Kalentzi in Marathon to safer locations.
Earlier, he mentioned that as a precautionary measure, the Amalia Fleming General Hospital in Melissia was evacuated and the patients were transferred to the “Pamakaristos” Hospital.
Furthermore, Mr. Vathrakogiannis highlighted that in response to Greece’s request for assistance from the European Civil Protection Mechanism through the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, since yesterday afternoon, France has sent a helicopter, which is expected to arrive today, Italy has sent 2 aircraft, which are expected to arrive tomorrow, and the Czech Republic has sent 75 firefighters and 25 vehicles, including 9 water tankers, which are expected to arrive tomorrow.
In addition, he said that assistance from Spain and Turkey is expected to be finalized.
The wildfires engulfed the Monastery of Panagia Axion Esti
The devastating wildfire engulfed the historic Monastery of Panagia Axion Esti, a cherished institution of the Archdiocese of Athens located in the Varnava area.
According to the Fire Brigade, the situation in Varnava remains critical, with the fire rapidly advancing through residential areas and causing significant damage. As dawn broke, the extent of the destruction became apparent, revealing damage to the monastery’s grounds. The Monastery of Panagia Axion Esti is of exceptional cultural and religious importance, housing valuable treasures and ecclesiastical relics belonging to the Archdiocese of Athens and its associated institutions.
Despite the swift response from the fire brigade, which deployed the first firefighting planes within five minutes of the fire’s onset and ground forces within ten minutes, the strong winds exacerbated the situation, turning the blaze into a massive wildfire with multiple fronts.
In response to the escalating danger, the Civil Protection Authority issued evacuation orders to residents of nearby settlements, including Stamata, Mikrochori Oropos, Grammatiko, Rodopoli, and Amygdaleza Stamata. The fire continues to pose a significant threat to both the historic monastery and the surrounding communities.
Monasteries of Saint Ephraim and Penteli evacuated as uncontrollable wildfires ravage Northern Attica
The Monasteries of Saint Ephraim in Nea Makri and Penteli have been evacuated as a massive, uncontrollable wildfire continues to rage across Northern Attica. The fire, which has now engulfed Mount Pentelicus, has created a front spanning over 20 kilometers, with shifting winds complicating firefighting efforts.
A force of 510 firefighters has been deployed to combat the blaze, which has proven difficult to contain due to the unpredictable wind conditions. According to the Fire Department, a total of 32 aerial firefighting vehicles—comprising 17 helicopters and 15 aircraft—are actively engaged in operations across multiple fire fronts in the region.
As the situation remains critical, efforts are focused on safeguarding both lives and properties, as well as the preservation of these historic monastic sites.
Translated by Ioanna Georgakopoulou
