LAST UPDATE: 15:21
The wildfire that broke out in Varnavas on Sunday afternoon continued to rage in Eastern Attica on Monday morning, fanned and spread to a front extending more than 20 kilometres by incessantly strong winds of 7-8 Beaufort.
According to an update from the fire department on Monday morning, the fire-fighting effort is extremely difficult as the wind keeps changing direction, while the three main fronts of concern are in Grammatiko, Penteli and the Anatoli settlement in Nea Makri. The forces deployed against the flames have been increased to 560 fire fighters, with 16 teams of forest commandos and 177 vehicles, while 32 aircraft (17 airplanes and 15 helicopters) are operating from the air.
Evacuation orders were issued since the early hours of Monday morning for the areas of Nea and Palia Penteli, Drafi, Dioni, Damarasi, Daou Penteli, Agios Spyridonas and Anatoli in Nea Makri. Authorities have also evacuated two hospitals in Penteli and the monasteries of Agios Ephraim and of Penteli. The police have assisted in the evacuation of dozens of people at risk from the fires.
One fire-fighter was injured while fighting the fire in Marathon, suffering 2nd degree burns to his hands and legs, and was taken first to the Nea Makri health centre and then to the 251 Air Force General Hospital.
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: Konstantinos Menyktas
