Greece wildfires: One dead and thousands evacuated as threat continues

Firefighters in Greece remain on high alert as wildfires threaten to flare up again near the Greek capital, as ITV News' Sangita Lal reports

Firefighters in Greece battled scattered fires on Tuesday as a major wildfire continues to affect the northern suburbs of Athens, triggering evacuations and leaving at least one person dead.

Authorities said at least 18 people have been injured, mostly due to smoke inhalation, since the wildfires started near Lake Marathon on Sunday afternoon, 22 miles from the country's capital.

The burned body of a woman was found by firefighters in the suburb of Vrilissia in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

Nadia, 62, was believed to have been an employee who became trapped inside the building.

A man, who gave his name as Thanasis, returned to pay his respects to Nadia, who he had known for 25 years.

"The last time I spoke to her was yesterday at three o'clock. She told me 'we were burning, we're on fire'," he said.

Hundreds of firefighters and dozens of water dropping planes have been involved in tackling the wildfires, as flames leapt to heights of 25 metres.

The Greek government has since announced a support package of €4.7 million (£4 million) for people and areas affected by the fires.

The seaside town of Nea Makri was ordered to evacuate on Tuesday.

Authorities warned some of those who had refused to leave their homes later could not escape and required rescuing, endangering the lives of firefighters.

Greece's National Observatory says that satellite images have shown that the blaze has torn through 25,000 acres - the size of more than 14 football pitches.

Angelos, who has lived in the affected area for more than 40 years, said the smoke was so thick he couldn't see the flames.

"It travelled so fast, like every second, every 20 metres - new fire here, new fire there," he said.

"In five seconds, I think it took a distance of 100 metres."

Three hospitals, including a children’s hospital, two monasteries and a children’s home were evacuated on Monday afternoon.

At least 30 push alerts were sent to cell phones in the area warning people in several Athens suburbs and settlements further from the city to flee.

Greece remains on high alert, despite officials saying the situation is beginning to improve, due in part to calmer winds no longer fanning flames.

Firefighters are no longer facing any active, advancing fronts and their efforts have been concentrating on extinguishing localised slow-burning areas.

Most of the fires are around Marathon and Pendeli. Greek firefighters have been boosted by forces from other countries after Athens called for international assistance.

Wildfires spread to nearby houses triggering evacuation orders

The blaze began on Sunday afternoon, racing through pine forests left tinder-dry by repeated heatwaves over the summer.

Winds over the weekend had hampered the efforts of hundreds of firefighters and dozens of water dropping planes that were trying to tame the blazes.

Greek authorities on Monday night said the wildfires are "showing signs of improvement", but they are urging everyone to "stay alert" as conditions for new fires remain dangerous.

A number of countries have responded to Greece's request for assistance; France, Italy, Czech Republic, Serbia, Romania and Turkey are all offering help.

Meteorologists warned of the increased danger of wildfires because of weather conditions from Sunday until Thursday, with winds expected to pick up.

The blaze has been fuelled by dry conditions following repeated summer heatwaves.

Greek resident, Mariana Papathana, told ITV News: "The situation is very difficult, we still have strong fires. The last night was very difficult, from midnight onwards.

"We're trying to protect our local restaurant the firefighters are doing very well."

This June and July were the hottest months ever recorded in Greece, following the country's warmest winter on record.

Video shows fires turning the sky near Athens bright orange

Half of the country is under a “red alert” for wildfire hazard, Climate Crisis Minister Vassilis Kikilias said on Monday.

Wildfires in Greece last year claimed the lives of more than 20 people and 18 migrants who were trapped by the flames in a forest that burned for over two weeks.

In 2018, a fire burned the seaside town of Mati killing more than 100 people who were trapped in their homes and some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames.

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