Authorities have successfully brought a forest fire under control on Mount Parnitha, located north of Athens, according to reports. The fire, which began on the mountain’s southern slope on Thursday, has since been contained. The response effort mobilized approximately 100 personnel, including firefighters and volunteers, alongside 22 fire engines and firefighting aircraft.
Officials have reported no injuries and no threats to nearby residential areas, though the cause of the incident remains under investigation. The recent blaze highlights the ongoing vulnerability of the region. Mount Parnitha, once covered by dense forest, has experienced significant degradation due to consecutive summer wildfires that have already damaged vast tracts of woodland and vegetation.
In response to heightened risk, Greece has implemented mandatory nationwide measures requiring property owners to clear dry vegetation to prevent future incidents, with penalties established for non-compliance. Locally, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has advised residents to maintain and clear their plots throughout the fire-risk season to mitigate the potential for fires to start or spread. Looking ahead to enhance preparedness, the country plans to deploy 164 new fire engines in 2026, valued at EUR 15.5 million.
These acquisitions will include specialized tanker trucks with capacities up to 12,000 liters, as well as high-mobility vehicles designed for operation in difficult terrain, bolstering the capacity to manage future fire emergencies on the mount.
Topics: #fire #mount #parnitha
