ATHENS, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Big fires occurred in
Marathon area close to Greek capital on Saturday, threatening the villages and
Penteli mountain nearby. No injuries were reported so far.
One major blaze stretched for 10 km long between the Marathon Lake and nearby towns. Heavy smokes were seen over Athens and the surrounding regions. It is believed the fire is the biggest since the one 2007 summer.
 |
|
Locals try to put out a fire in Varnava village, northeast of Athens, August 22, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
Up to 300 firemen and volunteers were fighting to put
out the fire, using 53 fire engines, 24 municipal water trucks and 19
fire-fighting aircraft. The army have been requested to join the battle.
Local media reported that there is a military base near Marathon, where rockets and other weapons are stored. The fire brigade had to evacuate the base for safety.
 |
|
A fire-fighting helicopter drops water over a forest fire in Grammatiko village, about 48km northeast of Athens, August 22, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
Greek Prime Minister Kostas Karamanlis came to the
Civil Protection Agency headquarters to encourage the fire brigades. He said the
most important things is to protect people's lives and properties.
Several fires were reported in Greece in the last 24
hours. It is the busiest day for firemen since this summer. The firemen expected
to put the fires under control soon as the wind has been forecast to fade later
in the day.
Greece has the most typical Mediterranean style of weather which is very dry and hot in the summer time. Bush fires occur often during this season. Big fires in August 2007 killed more than 60 people and resulted in serious environmental damages.
 |
|
Locals run to escape a forest fire in Grammatiko village, about 48km northeast of Athens, August 22, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
 |
|
A fireman gestures as a forest fire burns in Varnava village, northeast of Athens, August 22, 2009. (Xinhua/Reuters Photo)
Photo Gallery>>> |
