Hundreds of Firefighters Battle Major Wildfire West of Athens

Hundreds of firefighters have been deployed to combat a large wildfire burning west of Athens, with the operation supported by a fleet of helicopters and water‑dropping aircraft. The blaze, which began in the early hours of Tuesday, has quickly spread across a patch of forested land, threatening nearby residential areas and the natural habitat of the region.

The Greek Fire Service, in coordination with local emergency agencies, has mobilized aerial units to drop water and fire retardant over the most intense hotspots. Ground crews are working to establish firebreaks and protect critical infrastructure, while authorities have issued evacuation notices for communities within a 5‑kilometer radius of the fire. Meteorological reports indicate a dry wind pattern that could exacerbate the spread, prompting continuous monitoring by the national weather service.

Officials have urged residents to remain indoors and to heed any further evacuation orders. The firefighting effort is ongoing, with the Greek Ministry of Environment and Energy overseeing the operation and coordinating additional resources as needed. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as the situation evolves.