A large fire is currently burning in an agricultural and forested area in Oinoi, in the Municipality of Mandra, Attica; it broke out shortly before 3:30 p.m.

The fire does not threaten homes or infrastructure; however, firefighting forces remain fully deployed due to difficult conditions and the increased risk posed by the heat of the day.

There are 140 firefighters on the scene, assisted by 6 teams of foot patrols from the 1st EMODE, volunteers, and 34 vehicles, while 8 aircraft and 4 helicopters are conducting aerial water drops.

Significant support is also being provided by the Region of Attica, with water tankers and heavy equipment assisting in efforts to contain the fire. Meanwhile, the Attica-based IKAROS (drone) team has been deployed to the area, providing continuous imagery via optical and thermal cameras, thereby facilitating operational coordination.

According to information from ERTnews, the flames started on the embankment of the old Athens–Thebes and quickly spread to agricultural and forested areas and then to dense forest, due to the strong winds blowing in the region.

At the same time, at 4:22 p.m., a message was issued by 112 to alert residents in the area, urging them to remain on alert and follow the authorities’ instructions.

In addition, the OLYMPOS Mobile Operations Center is heading to the fire to coordinate firefighting efforts on the ground.

According to footage from the fire front, aerial assets are continuously dropping water on the slope where the fire is spreading, in an effort to contain the flames at that specific elevation and prevent the fire front from shifting either toward the back of the slope or toward residential areas. The fire has already spread over a very large area, a fact that significantly complicates the work of the firefighting forces. The fact that it is spreading through a dense, virgin pine forest is fueling its rapid spread, while frequent flare-ups and hot spots are being observed.

Although the main fireline appears to extend continuously along the ridge, new hotspots are breaking out on the backside of the slope, which increases the risk and complicates firefighting operations.

As reported from the scene, the distance between the active fire front and the nearest homes is estimated at 2.5 to 3 kilometers, and so far there appears to be a safe distance.

According to the Fire Department, throughout the incident, the National Fire and Rescue Coordination Center (ESKEDIK) is receiving a continuous real-time operational overview, utilizing data from unmanned aerial vehicles.

To determine the cause of the fire, the Western Attica Arson Investigation Unit has already arrived at the scene and is investigating the circumstances surrounding the outbreak of the fire.

Traffic Restrictions

Significant problems have also arisen on the road network, as large-scale traffic restrictions are in effect in the Mandra area. Traffic has been halted on the old Athens–Thebes national highway in the direction of Eleusis, from the area of the Oinoi–Porto Germenou, as well as in the direction of Vilia from the “Linaros” tavern.

At the same time, traffic has also been suspended at the Mandra roundabout, near the gas station, on the lane heading toward Thebes. Furthermore, traffic is blocked on the Oinoi-Porto Germeno provincial road in the direction of Vilia, as well as on the Alepochori-Psatha provincial road, in the direction of Vilia.

These closures demonstrate the vast extent of the fire, which stretches a considerable distance, from the area of Agia Sotira in Mandra all the way to the Vilia intersection.

It should be noted that, according to the fire risk forecast map, Attica is currently in risk category 4 (very high), a fact that significantly increases the authorities’ state of alert.

Source: ertnews.gr