Update : Mass Evacuations in Athens Area - Greece

On 12 August, evacuation orders were issued for several settlements in the Athens area after the wildfire spread to Mount Penteli. The fire broke out at around 15:00 hours (local time) on 11 August. It spread to the village of Varnavas very quickly. Fuelled by hot, windy weather, the fire has burnt through trees, houses and cars with flames as high as 25 meters. Evacuation alerts were issued for nine areas near Varnavas. Thick brown smoke was reported across Athens and the island of Aegina. At 04:52 hours, residents of Palaia Penteli, Melissia, Politeia, Ekali, Drafi, and Nea Erythrea were instructed to be on high alert. At 05:10 hours, Nea Penteli residents were urged to evacuate towards Melissa and those in Palaia Penteli to move towards Vrilissia. At 05:13 hours, residents of Drafi, Dioni, and Damarasi in Rafina were asked to evacuate towards Marathonos Avenue. At 05:40 hours, residents in Daou Penteli and Agios Spiridonas were instructed to head towards Rafina. At 05:45 hours, residents of Anthoussa were advised to be on standby. At 06:30 hours, residents of the Anatoli settlement were instructed to move towards Nea Makri. The Penteli Children’s Hospital and the 414 Military Hospital were also evacuated. The flames continue to move fast toward Lake Marathon. Firefighting operations remain underway.

Advice

Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid travel to the affected region until the fires are fully extinguished. Ensure evacuation from high-risk regions and plan accommodation to ensure shelter and other essential services. If travelling in the area, wear facemasks or other respiratory protective equipment to avoid inhalation of any smoke present. Persons with pre-existing heart and lung conditions should remain indoors, if possible until air quality improves.