Penteli, Greece

The Ministry of Labor has ordered the suspension of manual outdoor work for private sector employees in northeastern Attica until Tuesday due to the ongoing wildfires.

This includes activities such as construction, technical work and delivery services. Employers in the affected areas must ensure the safety of workers and comply with evacuation orders.

The large wildfire raging in the outskirts of northern Athens on Monday reached the National Observatory of Athens in Penteli. 

According to a social media post by the observatory's meteorological service (meteo.gr), the fire has entered its premises and is threatening important facilities.

Massive forest fires are raging on the outskirts of Athens, forcing thousands to evacuate their homes. Over 670 firefighters are battling the blaze, which is rapidly spreading across the Attica region. Two hospitals, including a children's facility and a military hospital, have been evacuated in Penteli, north of the Greek capital.

A massive wildfire raged out of control on the outskirts of Athens on Monday, spreading to several residential areas near the Greek capital and forcing thousands to flee their homes.

Thick smoke covers the National Highway in Athens from a wildfire that broke out in a farmland and forest area in Varnavas, Attica region, Greece, 11 August 2024.

Türkiye has offered aid to Greece in its fight against the wildfires that broke out near Athens over the weekend.

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. 

The Ministry of Social Cohesion and Family has been in immediate mobilization since early Sunday afternoon (11/08/2024) when the major fires broke out in Attica, to protect guests and workers in structures supervised by the Ministry and located in areas affected or threatened by the fires.

Specifically, as stated in an announcement:

Greece ordered the evacuation of hospitals and homes near Athens Monday as wildfires spread despite "superhuman" efforts to combat the flames, the fire brigade said.

At least five more communities were told to flee by civil protection authorities, after hundreds of people evacuated Sunday from at least eight villages.

From 3 PM yesterday, hundreds of firefighters have been waging a titanic and uneven battle against the fire in northeastern Attica, which initially broke out in the Varnava area and has now reached Penteli, threatening Nea Makri as well.

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.