Greek authorities have successfully brought a recent forest fire under control on Mount Parnitha, located north of Athens. According to reports, the effort to extinguish the flames, which began on the mountain’s southern slope on Thursday, involved approximately 100 personnel, including firefighters and volunteers, supported by 22 fire engines and firefighting aircraft. Authorities confirmed that the fire is now contained, with no reports of injuries or threats to nearby residential areas.
The specific cause of the incident remains under investigation. The recent blaze highlights the recurring vulnerability of the area, as Mount Parnitha has been significantly impacted by a series of consecutive summer wildfires that have already destroyed substantial tracts of woodland and vegetation. In response to escalating risks, Greece has instituted mandatory nationwide measures requiring property owners to clear dry vegetation, with penalties established for non-compliance.
Furthermore, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has appealed to residents to proactively maintain their private plots throughout the fire-risk season to mitigate the likelihood of new fires starting or spreading. Looking ahead to enhanced preparedness, the country is slated to receive 164 new fire engines in 2026, valued at EUR 15.5 million. These assets include specialized tanker trucks with capacities up to 12,000 liters, alongside high-mobility vehicles designed for difficult terrain, bolstering the nation’s capacity to manage future fire events on the mount.
Topics: #fire #mount #parnitha
