Greek prime minister returns as fierce fires near Athens spread

Massive fires are sweeping through Greece. The firefront near Athens now extends over 19 kilometres, and evacuations of additional towns are being ordered. Due to the catastrophe, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis urgently returned to Athens. 560 firefighters are battling the spreading element.

The fire, which broke out on Sunday afternoon in the vicinity of Varnavas, located about 35 kilometres north of Athens, is approaching the Greek capital. The fire brigade reported that the fire reached Mount Penteli.

Authorities have ordered the evacuation of several towns on the northeastern outskirts of Athens, as well as some hospitals and monasteries. The situation is complicated by strong, shifting winds (around 50-60 km/h), which meteorologists predict will blow even harder throughout the day. The height of the flames exceeds 25 metres.

The operation involves 560 firefighters supported by volunteers and 32 firefighting planes and helicopters, reported AMNA agency. Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis announced that due to the "critical situation," the prime minister urgently returned to Athens from his vacation in Crete.

During the firefighting operation, one firefighter was injured. There are also reports of people affected by smoke inhalation.

At night, police rescued 180 people from areas threatened by the fire. Data published by the meteo.gr service indicates that the smoke from the fire in Attica spread over 300 kilometres to the southwest.

On Saturday, Greek Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vasilis Kikilias warned that Greece is facing a very tough week in terms of fires. He announced that half of the country would be in a zone of very serious fire risk.