Fire breaks out in eastern Attica region of Greece

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) - A fire broke out in the suburban city of Koropi in the eastern Attica region, 16 kilometers (10 miles) southeast of Athens, the fire brigade said Wednesday.

The state-run news agency, Athens Macedonian, said the fire started at a parking lot for yachts and because of high winds, it spread quickly to surrounding areas.

The fire brigade sent a team of 54 firefighters, with two teams on foot and 19 vehicles, battling to put out the flames. Four fire-fighting aircraft, six helicopters, volunteers and local authority water tankers are also participating in efforts to contain the fire.

Authorities sent 112 emergency text messages to residents in Kitsi and Lambrika near Koropi to evacuate the area.

Surrounding streets as well as parts of Attica Road, which leads to Koropi, have also been closed by police.

Initial reports from the fire brigade said some houses have been damaged while two children's summer camps and an equine riding club have also been evacuated.