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A major firefighting operation was underway Sunday evening after a fire broke out at the former Badminton theater building in the Goudi district of east Athens, prompting authorities to issue an emergency public warning and close nearby roads.

The fire erupted shortly after 8 p.m. local time inside the building, with the fire brigade initially deploying 28 firefighters, volunteers, nine fire engines and an aerial ladder truck. Authorities later reinforced the response to 38 firefighters with 11 fire engines, two aerial ladder trucks and a vehicle carrying breathing apparatus, while municipal water tankers from local municipalities.

According to the fire brigade, the blaze was contained within the theater building and there was no immediate risk of it spreading to surrounding outdoor areas.

As smoke drifted across the area, the Civil Protection Ministry sent an emergency 112 alert instructing residents in the wider neighborhood to remain indoors and keep doors and windows closed.

Police closed several roads around the site.

Throughout the operation, the fire brigade’s coordination center monitored the scene using drones equipped with optical and thermal cameras.

A team from the Athens arson investigation division was dispatched to determine the cause of the fire.

The Badminton Theater occupies the former Olympic badminton arena built for the 2004 Athens Olympic Games in Goudi.

Following the Games, the venue was extensively redeveloped and reopened in 2007 as one of Athens’ largest performing arts and events spaces, hosting theater productions, concerts, musicals and conferences. Over the years, the landmark building has also been at the center of legal disputes concerning its post-Olympic redevelopment and long-term use.