700 Firefighters, 35 Aircraft Battle Greek Wildfires As Flames Reach Athens, 'Slight Improvement' Reported
Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes after firefighters warned that schools, businesses and homes were under threat. So far, one person has died in the wildfires.
Over 700 firefighters, 199 fire engines and 35 waterbombing aircraft have been deployed to combat the wildfires in Greek capital Athens. The wildfires began on Sunday afternoon, and are described as being the worst this year.
As per BBC, fire service spokesman Vassilios Vathrakogiannis said there were several active hotspots in the north-eastern Attica region. However, there were some signs of improvement overnight into Tuesday.
Thousands of people were forced to flee their homes after firefighters warned that schools, businesses and homes were under threat.
So far, one person has died in the wildfires as it reached the suburbs on Monday. The deceased is believed to be a woman and her body was found inside a shop, in the town of Vrilissia, northern Athens, according to a source quoted by BBC.
Meanwhile, a firefighter suffered serious burns and another was hospitalised with breathing troubles amid the battle against the blaze. At least 66 people have been treated for injuries related to the fire since Sunday, according to AFP.
ALSO READ: Thousands Evacuated From Athens As Massive Wildfire Approaches Greek Capital
The residents wore masks to protect themselves against the choking smoke, and complained that the air was hard to breathe and almost suffocating.
According to an AFP report, on Monday, Greece called for the European Union’s assistance.
"The EU civil protection mechanism was activated upon request of the Greek authorities," EU spokesman Balazs Ujvari said in a statement, as per the news report. He added that Italy, France, the Czech Republic and Romania were sending units to help.
Greece has experienced numerous wildfires this year following its warmest winter and hottest June and July on record since reliable data collection began in 1960, reported AFP.
Scientists have indicated that human-induced fossil fuel emissions are exacerbating the duration, frequency and severity of heatwaves worldwide. Rising temperatures are leading to longer wildfire seasons and increasing the area burnt in the flames, AFP reported, citing the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
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