Mount Parnitha wildfire spreads to national forest area

The wildfire at Mount Parnitha in Attica has spread to the mountain's national forest area, the Fire Brigade's spokesperson Yiannis Artopios announced late Wednesday afternoon.

The fire first broke out on Tuesday morning in the area of Fyli, at Parnitha's foothills, and despite continuous firefighting at ground level and water-bombing by air, it is burning eastwards through a ravine in the national forest towards the area of Metochi.

The high wind shifted on Wednesday afternoon from a northeasterly direction, fanning the flames towards the national forest's ridge, he added.

Winds are expected to subside as of the evening hours, added Artopios.

Eight water-bombers, including two Air Tractor planes provided by Germany, and nine helicopters are dowsing the fire.

Meanwhile, road traffic has been closed on Parnitha Avenue from the Aigli taverna onwards...