Greek authorities have successfully brought a recent forest fire under control on Mount Parnitha, which is situated north of Athens. According to Kathimerini, the effort to extinguish the flames, which began on the mountain’s southern slope on Thursday, involved approximately 100 personnel, including firefighters and volunteers, alongside 22 fire engines and firefighting aircraft. Officials reported no injuries or threats to nearby residential areas.
The cause of the fire remains under investigation. The incident highlights the recurring vulnerability of Mount Parnitha, which has experienced significant degradation due to consecutive summer wildfires that have destroyed extensive 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.
Furthermore, Athens Mayor Haris Doukas has advised local residents to maintain and clear their properties throughout the fire-risk season to mitigate the risk of accidental fires starting or spreading. To bolster national fire response capabilities, Greece plans to deploy 164 new fire engines by 2026, valued at EUR 15.5 million. These new assets will include specialized tanker trucks capable of carrying up to 12,000 liters, as well as high-mobility vehicles suitable for challenging terrain, enhancing the country’s overall defense against future fire events on the mount.
Topics: #fire #mount #parnitha
