Earth Watch Report - Forest/Wild Fires
...
...
| Description |
| Greek firefighters are battling a large wildfire in a hamlet north
of Athens that has burnt at least two homes and is threatening others.
The fire broke out Monday at Avra near Marathon, some 50 kilometers (30
miles) from Athens. It spread quickly because of strong winds. No
injuries were reported. Eight fire-dropping aircraft were assisting some
60 firefighters in efforts to extinguish the blaze.
|
...
A Greek firefighter carries a hose as a forest fire rages in Marathon near Athens August 5, 2013.
Credit: REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis
ATHENS |
Mon Aug 5, 2013 1:30pm EDT
Up
to 60 people were evacuated from their homes after a wildfire spread
rapidly in hills outside Athens. About 90 firefighters, assisted by
eight water-dropping aircraft, partially contained the blaze which
destroyed several homes. The fire was caused by a vehicle crashing into
an electricity pole. It spread rapidly, fanned by strong winds and dry,
hot conditions
A
Greek firefighter collects a fire hose after running out of water as a
forest fire rages in Marathon near Athens August 5, 2013
Credit: REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis
(Reuters)
- A wildfire fanned by strong winds raged near Athens on Monday,
damaging homes and sending residents fleeing, fire brigade officials
said.
Reuters witnesses said the blaze had damaged at least three
homes at a hamlet by the town of Marathon - the site of the historic 490
BC battle between Athenians and Persians about 40 kilometres (25 miles)
northeast of the Greek capital.
A Greek firefighter runs to safer ground as a forest fire rages in Marathon near Athens August 5, 2013.
Credit: REUTERS/Yannis Behrakis
"The
flames have reached homes, but we don't know yet how many are
threatened," said a fire brigade official, speaking on condition of
anonymity.
Read More and See Additional Photos Here
********************************************************************
********************************************************************
Related articles
Smoke
rises from the hills of the north Lebanon town of Sfira following a
fire that broke out Tuesday, July 30, 2013. (The Daily Star/Antoine
Amrieh)
