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Fire alert in Western Attica – 'Human hand behind most fires,' says Fire Service
🇬🇷 Greece /Disasters & Emergencies

Fire alert in Western Attica – 'Human hand behind most fires,' says Fire Service

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Western Attica in Greece is experiencing an unusually high number of fires early in the year, causing concern among authorities.
  • Of the approximately 2,880 fires recorded this year, 710 have occurred in Western Attica, particularly in Megara, Aspropyrgos, and Elefsina.
  • Officials suspect human activity, including arson and improper waste disposal, is behind most of the fires.

Authorities in Western Attica, Greece, are expressing deep concern over the escalating number of fires during the current fire season. The region has already recorded a significantly high number of blazes since the beginning of the year, raising alarms about fire prevention and response efforts.

Data reveals that out of approximately 2,880 fires recorded nationwide this year, a substantial 710 have occurred in Western Attica. These fires have primarily affected areas such as Megara, Aspropyrgos, and Elefsina. A recent fire in Aspropyrgos, which broke out in an area with low vegetation, was quickly brought under control. Initial assessments suggest the fire started near a site containing tires, debris, and bulky waste, intensifying worries about waste management in the region.

One human hand is behind most of the fires.

— Fire ServiceStatement regarding the cause of the numerous fires in Western Attica.

Giannis Ilias, the mayor of Aspropyrgos, highlighted the recurring issue of uncontrolled dumping of waste, stating that the area's character has changed due to illegal activities. He noted that the municipality spends over one million euros annually on cleanup efforts, yet the waste reappears. Ilias also called for increased police presence, citing multiple daily arson incidents.

Every year we spend over a million euros to clean up the area.

— Giannis IliasMayor of Aspropyrgos, describing the cost of dealing with illegal waste dumping.

Kostas Tsigas, president of the Firefighters' Union, emphasized that human activity is the primary cause of most fires. He stated that about 15% are due to arson, with the remainder resulting from negligence. Tsigas urged citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid any use of fire in natural areas. He also revealed that dozens of individuals have been arrested for arson this year, and hundreds of administrative fines have been imposed.

Experts warn that despite favorable weather conditions so far, increased vegetation due to recent rainfall could exacerbate the fire risk in the coming months. The fire season has already begun with numerous incidents, and anticipated high temperatures may worsen the situation. The Fire Service representative lamented that such events are preventable.

About 15% concern arson and the remaining incidents are due to negligence.

— Kostas TsigasPresident of the Firefighters' Union, detailing the causes of fires.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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