In a swift response to the raging wildfires threatening Athens, France has announced the deployment of 180 civil security firefighters, 55 trucks, and a helicopter to assist Greek authorities. The announcement came from Gérald Darmanin, the resigning Minister of the Interior, who emphasized that this operation will not compromise France's own firefighting capabilities. This deployment is part of the European Union's civil protection mechanism, established in 2001, which aims to provide assistance during major disasters.
As the wildfires intensify, Greek authorities have ordered the evacuation of several localities in the northeastern suburbs of Athens, including the historic town of Marathon. The fire, which began in the Varnava area, has created a 30-kilometer long line of flames, exacerbated by extreme weather conditions with temperatures soaring to 39°C and winds exceeding 50 km/h. As of now, over 670 firefighters and 183 vehicles are engaged in combating the blaze, with 32 aircraft deployed to assist in firefighting efforts.
The situation remains critical as thousands of residents flee their homes, with hospitals on high alert and several communities ordered to evacuate. The EU has mobilized additional resources, including two Canadairs from Italy and firefighting teams from the Czech Republic and Romania, highlighting the solidarity among European nations in tackling this emergency. This disaster revives memories of the tragic Mati fire in 2018, where delays in evacuation led to significant loss of life.
- The European Union's involvement underscores the collaborative effort to combat forest fires that have become increasingly common in Greece, particularly after a notably dry winter. The months of June and July 2023 were recorded as the hottest since 1960, contributing to the heightened risk of wildfires. With the EU's civil protection mechanism activated, over 540 firefighters from 12 countries are on standby, ready to assist local firefighting teams.
- In light of the ongoing crisis, authorities have opened various stadiums, including the Olympic stadium in northern Athens, to shelter those fleeing the flames. The health sector is also on alert, with three major hospitals preparing for potential emergencies related to fire-related injuries. This proactive approach aims to mitigate the impact of the wildfires as they threaten urban areas.
