An Erickson firefighting helicopter makes strategic water drops as a wildfire burns in Mount Kitheronas, near Psatha, west of Athens, Monday. [Louisa Gouliamaki/Reuters]
The wildfire burning in western Attica showed signs of improvement on Monday, but firefighters continued to battle strong flames in several areas, including Kandili and Agia Skepi, where the most active front was located.
Fire Department spokesman Ioannis Artopios said the situation had improved in Psatha, a coastal area on the Gulf of Corinth, as well as along the fire’s northern and northeastern fronts toward the village of Vilia, northwest of Athens. Those areas include Kryo Pigadi, Agios Nektarios and Agia Paraskevi.
However, authorities warned there was no room for complacency, with hundreds of firefighters remaining deployed and dozens of aircraft assisting from the air.
A 112 emergency alert was sent overnight ordering the evacuation of residents in Agia Skepi, Kandili and Botsika toward Nea Peramos, a coastal town west of Athens. Fire crews worked through the night, using heavy machinery to create firebreaks and slow the spread of the blaze.
