Thousands evacuated in Greece as wildfires approach Athens | BBC News

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Published 2024-08-12
Thousands of residents are being evacuated from their homes as a large wildfire is spreading towards Athens in Greece, with some flames leaping as high as 25m (80ft).

The historic site of Marathon is among the areas where residents are being moved to safety by the emergency services.

Houses and properties in the nearby town of Varnavas were burning, according to the fire brigade.

Forty fires have broken out in Greece since Saturday afternoon with firefighters still battling seven.

More than 500 firefighters and 150 vehicles have been deployed to help put out the flames.

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All Comments (21)
  • Having lived in Greece for years ….this isn’t a surprise….the Greek government should have invested in proper fire fighting planes etc etc …..but no …where does the money go ….?????
  • @loismiller7742
    I live in CA - similar climate to Greece. High temps, Dry climate, high wind, drought, very dry fuels, dead and down fuels in the mix, heavy dry vegetation, hills... It doesn't look like defensible space is possible in a lot of places. Looks like FF resources are limited? High winds, yikes. Gale force winds, impossible situation. I call this kind of fire @ " a blow torch from hell." I have seen the " dragon devil" in action. Nothing stops a fire like that, it burns till it runs out of fuel. Not good. Mother Nature wins everytime. All we can do when this happens is get out of harms way and help as we can. Traumatic, sad and a lot of loss for so many people. Earthquakes, wind, water and fire are forces beyond human control. Just get to safety.
  • @chrisb2057
    So sad to see this. Sending hope and understanding from BC, where we're burning as well.
  • Planet burning homes, businesses and farms. So resources are running out as they rebuild over and over, and also why we have major food inflation!
  • I have been to greece this year. attica is a buring desert. I dont get why people would wanne live there ! Regardless of how bad it gets the economy, I still make over $28K every single week. I truly value Lia Lorenzo and her helpful guides.
  • Why are BBC videos so low quality, losing resolution down to 480p while others are upgrading to 2160p? These days full HD should be the minimum expectable.