Greece is facing yet another devastating wildfire that started near Athens on Sunday and has been spreading rapidly due to strong winds. The blaze has already engulfed large areas of forest and farmland, forcing residents to evacuate their homes and leaving authorities struggling to contain the inferno.
The fire broke out in the town of Vilia, about 60 kilometers west of Athens, and quickly spread towards the nearby village of Thrakomakedones. Firefighters and helicopters have been deployed to the area to try and battle the flames, but the high winds have been making their efforts more difficult.
According to officials, the fire has already consumed more than 2,000 hectares of land and is continuing to spread. The strong winds in the area are fanning the flames and causing the fire to spread quickly, making it hard for firefighters to bring under control.
Residents in the affected areas have been forced to flee their homes as the fire moves closer to residential areas. Emergency services have also been evacuating people from nearby villages as a precautionary measure.
Authorities are urging residents to stay vigilant and follow any evacuation orders issued by local officials. The Greek Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has expressed his support for those affected by the fire and has promised to provide all necessary assistance to help combat the blaze.
Wildfires are not uncommon in Greece during the summer months, and the combination of high temperatures, strong winds, and dry conditions make them particularly difficult to contain. The government has been criticized in the past for its response to wildfires, and many are hoping that this time, the authorities will be able to prevent further destruction and protect the lives and homes of those in the affected areas.
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