Nea Penteli

Health and Psychological support to the victims of the fire in Penteli by the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens.

Greek emergency services fought back Tuesday against a massive wildfire that scorched the Athens suburbs, killing a woman, causing widespread damage and sending thousands of people fleeing from their homes.

A fire department spokesperson told AFP that "pockets of flame" were being dealt with but there were no longer "areas of particular concern".

Residents of northeastern Attica are living hours of agony as the fire that broke out at noon on Sunday (11/8) in Varnavas has reached uncontrollable proportions.

Residents of Nea Penteli, a suburb located in northeastern Athens, have been instructed by the 122 emergency alert system to evacuate toward Halandri. 

Hundreds of firefighters backed by more than 30 water-dropping planes are battling a major forest fire raging out of control Monday on the northern fringes of the Greek capital. 

A fire that erupted northeast of Athens on Sunday has spread to Mount Penteli, just north of the Greek capital, prompting the evacuation of several settlements.

The fast-moving blaze, fueled by hot and windy conditions, has already destroyed trees, homes, and vehicles, and has sent thick smoke clouds over the city.

Dramatic hours are unfolding in northeastern Attica as the fire that started in Varnava on Sunday afternoon is “rapidly advancing and has reached Mount Penteli,” as announced by the Fire Department spokesperson shortly before 6 AM today, “despite the superhuman efforts of all civil protection forces.”

Snowfall and low temperatures have returned to Athens on Wednesday, as a new wave of adverse weather conditions has hit the country.