Authorities issued a fire alert on Friday afternoon (Sept. 19) after a blaze broke out in Acharnes, burning pallets and other flammable materials at a timber business at the intersection of Tatoiou and Dekeleias streets. It quickly escalated, prompting a massive response from firefighting units.

According to the latest reports, the fire spread to an adjacent footwear business. Thick black smoke could be seen rising.

A strong firefighting force rushed to the scene at Tatoiou and Kifisias, with 30 firefighters and 12 vehicles initially battling the blaze, assisted by one helicopter.

Forces were quickly reinforced, and 44 firefighters with 20 vehicles are now continuing efforts to contain the flames, supported from the air by three helicopters.

Although the fire remains large, recent reports indicate that its intensity has decreased thanks to the aerial support, which is expected to cease operations soon.