As fires rage on the outskirts of Athens, a first contingent of 91 civil security rescuers left for Greece from Brignoles (Var) aboard several firefighting vehicles, Tuesday, August 13 at dawn, according to an AFP journalist. They are among the approximately 180 firefighters and rescuers, as well as 55 trucks sent as reinforcements, as announced Monday by Gérald Darmanin. These firefighters should arrive in Greece on Wednesday. Follow our live coverage.
Several fires are spreading near Athens. Greek authorities announced on Monday the evacuation of new towns in the northeastern suburbs of Athens, after that of the city of Marathon the day before, in the face of violent fires which are spreading towards the capital.
Body found in burnt-out factory. It was discovered in a factory in Patima Halandriou, a municipality in the northeastern suburbs of Athens whose 70,000 residents were partly evacuated on Monday. The victim is a woman in her sixties, according to theANA official agency.
Italy, the Czech Republic and Romania are also sending reinforcements. According to a European Union spokesperson, the EU Civil Protection Mechanism has been activated at the request of the Greek authorities. Assistance from Spain and Turkey is also being provided. “finalization”, according to the Greek Ministry of Civil Protection.