Fire damages three factories in Acharnes

Three factories suffered extensive damage in a fire that broke out in Acharnes (also known as Menidi), northwest of Athens, on Tuesday night. No injuries have been reported.

Crews managed to contain most of the blaze by Wednesday morning after battling the fire overnight. The fire started around 11 p.m. near the factories and spread quickly, fanned by strong winds, burning scrubland before reaching a timber factory, a plastics factory and a paper factory.

Two messages from the 112 emergency alert system were sent to residents in the area. The first, at 12.05 a.m., instructed people to stay alert and follow official guidance. Fifteen minutes later, a second message adviced residents to stay indoors, close doors and windows, and follow authorities' instructions.

The fire caused traffic disruptions in the area, and some traffic changes are still in effect.