Fire in Attica – Explosive device found in Parnitha

With the two fronts of fire in Attica – one below Parnitha, in Kryoneri and Ippokratios Politia, and the other in Afidnes – the questions of how these fronts were rekindled and how new fires broke out are relentless.

According to state broadcaster ERT an explosive device was found in Parnitha, while a suspect was arrested in Kryoneri.

In particular, the state television reported that yesterday a rudimentary explosive device was found in the area of ​​Parnitha, which is part of the municipality of Acharnes, which has been put in a state of emergency after the catastrophic fires.

At the same time, several residents in Kryoneri spoke to the same source about suspicious movements by a young man, who seems to have pretended to put out the fire, but it is being examined whether his motives were different. Indeed, this man was taken into custody on Friday afternoon.

Shocking images of explosions

Speaking to the Athenian-Macedonian News Agency, the Deputy Regional Minister for Civil Protection and Environment of the Attica Region, Vassilis Kokkalis, spoke about a large front coming from the side of Malakasa but also from Kryoneri.

“There is a serious problem before Malakasa. We are here, we are trying, there is a factory with gas cans and paints and a while ago explosions were heard,” stressed Mr. Kokkalis and added:” There is a big front from the side of Malakasa and Kryoneri, the winds have strengthened and the situation is difficult. The fire has crossed the national road and is directed towards Polydendri-Kapandriti, but from their right side “.

On this front, as it became known by the Fire Brigade, the fire is directed towards Polydendri and Kapandriti, but also towards Malakasa and Lake Marathon.

For this reason, messages were sent earlier from 112 for the evacuation of Kapandriti, Polydendri, Malakasa and the settlement of Sfendali, while at night Vothonas was evacuated to Lake Marathon and the settlements of Pontia and Pefkofyto of Agios Sote.

Agios Stefanos, as reported by the Fire Department, is no longer in danger and the danger is moving to Kapandriti and Malakasa.

The second front of the big fire in Afidnes is also out of control, where for a while now a factory with paints and solvents has been burning – among others – on the side road of the national road.

The fire is accompanied by multiple explosions, which prevent firefighters from approaching.

Also, in Afidnes, which have been evacuated since yesterday, together with Kryoneri, Drosopigi and Ippokratio Politia, houses and businesses have been burned, but at this time the damage cannot be assessed.

The situation on the other front – Homes are burning at Ippokratios Politeia

On the other hand, the situation in Ippokratios Politia is dramatic, and flames have engulfed the houses.

The main fronts are located in Ippokratios Politia, in the settlement of Pontia to the west of Agios Stefanos, while there are many houses in Afidnes and Drosopigi that have been engulfed in flames.

The mayor of Oropos, Giorgos Giasimakis, who was in Kapandriti, spoke to the Athenian-Macedonian News Agency about very large fires in the area of ​​Afidnes and very strong westerly winds. As he mentioned, it is located 30-40 meters from the Athens-Lamia National Highway, heading towards Athens, burning a forest area.

“Here I am, I see a forest burning but I am sure that in the Ippokratios Politia, where we had a great re-ignition and even before such a strong wind arose, we will have other problems. The fronts are many, not just one, I have counted at least four and settlements are also in danger “, stressed Mr. Giasimakis to AMNA.

There is a resurgence in Kryoneri shortly after 11:15, with the fire circling the community. The black smoke is visible from afar, while the firefighters are constantly running to face the great needs.