Wildfire erupts in Mt. Parnitha near Athens

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) - A wildfire erupted in the Katsimidi area of Mt. Parnitha on Saturday afternoon, the fire department said.

Strong winds blowing in the area fanned the flames that spread quickly in the dense forest of Katsimidi.

According to fire department spokesman Vasilis Vathrakogiannis, wind speeds in the area exceeded 50 kilometers (31 miles) per hour, with gusts exceeding 100 km (62 mi) at times, making it difficult for firefighters to contain the flames.

"In general, the conditions that prevail are difficult and dangerous," he said in an emergency press briefing.

Around four ground firefighting teams, eight helicopters, and four aircraft are currently battling the blaze, while over 30 vehicles with a total of 100 firefighters have been mobilized.

Firefighting forces from the regions of Epirus, Thessaly, and Macedonia have also been mobilized.

Earlier, a 112-emergency message was sent to nearby residents, instructing them to be alert in case of an evacuation process.