A major fire that broke out on Tuesday afternoon at a plastic manufacturing plant in the Votanikos area, on the border with Aegaleo in western Athens, remains active, according to the Hellenic Fire Service, with firefighting crews continuing their struggle to bring it fully under control.
The fire continues to burn due to the enormous quantity of flammable materials stored in the factory’s warehouses and facilities. Thick black and white smoke continues to rise from the building, while strong firefighting forces remain on site, carrying out continuous water drops in an effort to suppress the flames.
On Wednesday morning, a re-ignition was recorded in the warehouse area, prompting renewed efforts by firefighters to contain remaining hotspots and prevent the fire from spreading further.
The atmosphere across the wider area remains suffocating due to the burning of plastic materials. Authorities have advised residents, particularly elderly people and those with respiratory conditions, to avoid unnecessary movement outdoors and to keep their windows closed.
It is noted that part of the building’s roof collapsed yesterday due to the extremely high temperatures. At the time of the collapse, according to ERT (the Hellenic Broadcasting Corporation, Greece’s public broadcaster), firefighters were inside the building attempting to contain the blaze; however, no injuries were reported.
Due to the re-ignition and ongoing firefighting operations, traffic police have suspended vehicle circulation on Orfeos Street, from the height of Agias Annis Street, toward Kifisou Avenue, in the Aegaleo area.
The causes of the fire remain unknown at this stage, while a preliminary investigation is being conducted by the competent officers of the Hellenic Fire Service.
