ATHENS: The Greek government has appealed for immediate assistance from the European Union (EU) to help fight the fires raging in various parts of the country, reported German Press Agency (dpa).
“We have requested six firefighting aircraft from the EU Civil Protection Mechanism,” fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis told Greek radio on Sunday. He said two aircraft were expected to arrive from Italy in the afternoon.
Fires have broken out in several parts of Greece due to prolonged drought and strong winds. On Saturday, firefighters battled blazes in northern Athens, on the islands of Crete, Kythira, and Euboea, and on the Peloponnese peninsula.
The fires in northern regions of Athens have been contained, and the fire brigade spokesman said that although the situation is improving in other regions, the danger persists.
Meteorologists have previously warned that due to the prolonged drought, even a single spark could cause a wildfire.
Authorities are investigating the exact cause of the fires. -BERNAMA-dpa
