Firefighters tame wildfire near Athens

A blaze burning near a village northeast of Athens appeared largely contained, a Reuters witness and fire brigade officials have said.

About 140 firefighters assisted by 38 engines and 18 aircraft continued operations to bring the blaze, which was burning through a thick forest, under full control but the situation had improved, a fire brigade official said.

The flames earlier forced the evacuation of residents from the village of Ano Souli, some 40 kilometers from Athens, and the nearby town of Marathonas.

A Reuters cameraman said that by early afternoon local time the fire no longer seemed to be spreading.

The absence of heavy winds, which often complicates firefighting in the warmest months of the year, had helped efforts to tame the blaze, the fire brigade official said.

The government has hired a record number of firefighters this year in anticipation of a difficult fire season.

Source: ekathimerini.com