Authorities have successfully brought a recent forest fire under control on Mount Parnitha, located north of Athens, according to reports. The incident, which began earlier Thursday on the mountain’s southern slope, has now been contained. The response effort involved approximately 100 individuals, including firefighters and volunteers, supported by 22 fire engines and aerial firefighting aircraft.
Officials confirmed there were no reports of injuries or threats to nearby residential areas, though the cause of the fire remains under investigation. The event highlights the ongoing environmental challenges facing the region. Mount Parnitha, once characterized by dense forest cover, has sustained significant damage from a series of consecutive summer wildfires that have impacted vast areas of woodland and vegetation.
In response to escalating fire risks, Greece has implemented mandatory nationwide measures requiring property owners to clear dry vegetation, with penalties established for non-compliance. Locally, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has advised residents to proactively maintain their plots throughout the fire-risk season to mitigate the potential for fires to start or spread. Looking toward enhanced preparedness, the country plans to deploy 164 new fire engines by 2026, an investment valued at EUR 15.5 million.
These new resources include specialized tanker trucks with capacities up to 12,000 liters, as well as high-mobility vehicles designed for use in challenging terrain across the mount.
Topics: #fire #mount #parnitha
