Authorities have reported that a forest fire on Mount Parnitha, located north of Athens, has been brought under control. The blaze, which began on the mountain’s southern slope on Thursday, has since been contained. The effort to extinguish the fire involved approximately 100 personnel, including firefighters and volunteers, alongside 22 fire engines and dedicated firefighting aircraft.
Officials confirmed that there were no reports of injuries or threats to nearby residential areas, though the cause of the incident remains under investigation. The event highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region. Mount Parnitha, which was once covered by dense forest, has been significantly impacted by a series of consecutive summer wildfires that have already degraded large sections of woodland and vegetation.
In response to recurrent incidents, Greece has implemented mandatory nationwide measures requiring property owners to clear dry vegetation to mitigate fire risks, with penalties established for non-compliance. At the local level, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has issued appeals for residents to diligently maintain their properties throughout the fire-risk season. Looking ahead to enhanced preparedness, the nation plans to deploy 164 new fire engines by 2026, valued at EUR 15.5 million.
These resources will include specialized tanker trucks with capacities up to 12,000 liters, as well as high-mobility vehicles designed for challenging terrain, bolstering the response capacity for future fires on the mount.
Topics: #fire #mount #parnitha
