Authorities 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 since been contained. Suppression efforts involved approximately 100 personnel, including firefighters and volunteers, supported by 22 fire engines and firefighting aircraft.
Authorities reported no injuries or threats to nearby residential areas, though the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The incident highlights ongoing environmental concerns for the region. Mount Parnitha, which was once covered by dense woodland, has sustained significant damage from a series of consecutive summer wildfires.
In response to these recurring threats, 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 appealed to residents to maintain and clean their properties throughout the fire-risk season to reduce the likelihood of ignition and spread. Looking ahead to preparedness, the Greek newspaper Proto Thema noted that the country is slated to deploy 164 new fire engines by 2026, an investment valued at EUR 15.5 million.
These resources will include specialized tanker trucks with capacities up to 12,000 liters, alongside high-mobility vehicles designed for difficult terrain, enhancing the nation’s capacity to combat future fires on the mount.
Topics: #fire #mount #parnitha
