Greek authorities have successfully brought a forest fire under control on Mount Parnitha, located north of Athens, according to reports. The blaze, which began on the mountain’s southern slope on Thursday, has now been contained. The response effort involved approximately 100 personnel, including firefighters and volunteers, supported by 22 fire engines and aerial firefighting aircraft.
Authorities have reported no injuries and no threat to residential areas, though the cause of the incident remains under investigation. The incident highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the area. Mount Parnitha, once characterized by dense woodland, has suffered significant damage from a series of recent summer wildfires that have depleted vast areas of vegetation.
In response to heightened fire risks, Greece has instituted mandatory nationwide measures requiring property owners to clear dry vegetation, with penalties established for non-compliance. Locally, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has urged residents to maintain and clear their plots throughout the fire-risk season to mitigate the potential for ignition and spread. Looking ahead to preparedness, the Greek newspaper Proto Thema noted that by 2026, the country plans to deploy 164 new fire engines, valued at EUR 15.5 million.
This equipment includes specialized tanker trucks with capacities up to 12,000 liters, as well as high-mobility vehicles designed for operation in challenging terrain, bolstering the nation’s capacity to manage future fire events on the mountaintop.
Topics: #fire #mount #parnitha
