UPDATE 2 - Strong winds causing wildfire to spread in central Greece

ADDS MORE DETAILS, CHANGES HEADLINE, DECK

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) – The wildfire in the central Greek region of Attica rapidly spread within 24 hours, fueled by the topography of certain areas and strong winds, according to local media reports on Tuesday.

The forest fire that ignited on Monday in the Dervenochoria region proved challenging for firefighters to control due to the area's topography and the intensity of the winds.

Consequently, it quickly extended into neighboring communities, including Magoula, Mandra, Elefsina, Kiafa, Nea Zoi, and Agia Sofia, the public broadcaster ERT reported.

As a precautionary measure, residents in these affected areas were ordered to evacuate. Additionally, authorities made efforts to convince the nuns at the Panagia Gorgoepikou monastery in Mandra to relocate to safer locations.

It is also reported that some houses have already been destroyed and that flames are now threatening a factory in Magoula.

Meanwhile, European Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic announced that four firefighting planes will arrive in Greece on Tuesday.

"Following Greek request for assistance to tackle wildfires in the Attica region, we are mobilising 2 Canadairs from the EU Civil Protection Pool in France and 2 Canadairs from our fleet in Italy, expected to arrive still today," Lenarcic said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut short his visit to Brussels, Belgium's capital, and returned to Athens due to the wildfires.

Shortly after landing, he went to the Joint Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management (ESKEDIK), where he was briefed on the latest situation.

In a related development, Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias announced that at least two people were arrested over their suspected links to the fire in Viotia and investigations into other fires are underway.

He also said at least 81 forest fires broke out across the country on Monday.