Mt. Parnitha wildfire spreads to national forest region

The fire first broke out on Tuesday morning in the area of Fili, at Parnitha's foothills, and despite continuous firefighting at ground level and water-bombing by air, it is burning eastwards through a ravine in the national forest towards the area of Metochi.

The high wind shifted on Wednesday afternoon from a northeasterly direction, fanning the flames towards the national forest's ridge, he added. Winds are expected to subside as of the evening hours, added Artopios.

Eight water-bombers (including two Air Tractor planes provided by Germany) and nine helicopters are dowsing the fire.

Meanwhile, road traffic has been closed on Parnitha Avenue from the 'Aigli' taverna onwards, at the intesection of Parnitha Avenue and Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, at the intersection of Agios Dionissios and Eleftheriou Venizelou Avenue, and at Parnitha Avenue in the area of Thrakomakedones.