The aftermath of a large wildfire in southeast Attica prefecture has revealed extensive destruction, with large parts of Palea Fokea and the Thymari districts scorched. Several homes were engulfed in flames.
The specific region has been plagued by wildfires in the past, with the landscape dominated by arid hills and low mountain ranges, brushland interspersed with some crops, pine thickets and small settlements of single residence homes, holiday and permanent residences, from the lowly to high-end villas.
The wildfire, which began in the Keratea municipality and spread across southeastern Attica on the back of gale force winds, burned nearly 4,000 acres before being brought under control. Teams of civil engineers have already begun assessing damage in affected areas.
Suspicion of arson has emerged in at least one instance. Stavros Petropoulos, deputy mayor of Saronikos, told local media that a gas canister was found where the fire started, raising concerns. He also stated there is video footage showing a person in a white shirt moving suspiciously in the area shortly before the blaze began. The material, along with the gas canister, has been handed over to the fire brigade for examination.
An emergency municipal council meeting announced seven measures to support residents in the Palea Fokea and the Thymari. One of these includes a joint legal action against the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (DEDDIE), which operates the power grid in the country, i.e. power lines and pylons.
Konstantinos Tsigas, president of a fire-fighters’ union, said the arson unit has been gathering evidence from the outset. Finally, meteorologist Giorgos Papavasileiou of the National Observatory of Athens emphasized the need to focus on identifying the cause of the fire and improving wildfire management strategies.
