More than a dozen injured in fire north of Athens

At least twelve people have been injured this Wednesday due to a heavy fire registered north of the Greek capital, Athens, after the flames reached several residential areas and destroyed several houses.

The Fire Brigade, which has deployed nine seaplanes and seven helicopters in an attempt to control the fire that started Tuesday afternoon in the municipality of Penteli, has indicated that nine residents and three firefighters are in a hospital in the area after suffering breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation.

In addition, seven towns and a children’s hospital have had to be evacuated. The AMNA news agency puts the number of people evacuated over the past day at 600 as the flames advance in northeastern Athens in the face of high temperatures rising to 31°C.

Authorities have indicated that the main highway linking the city center to the airport has been closed, according to reports on ERT television channel. Strong gusts of wind have hampered the work of firefighters.