Two wildfires broke out on Monday in northeastern Attica, near the Greek capital, prompting a major firefighting response, authorities said.

The first blaze erupted in Ano Souli, Marathonas, near the Saint Raphael Monastery. Firefighting efforts included five aircraft, two helicopters, 90 firefighters, three ground teams, 20 fire engines and municipal water tankers. An unspecified number of volunteers also joined the effort, fire officials said.

A second fire was reported just to the north, in Grammatiko, where 40 firefighters, 12 engines, five aircraft and two helicopters were deployed to contain the flames.

No injuries or damage to property were immediately reported. Authorities did not provide further details about the causes or extent of the fires.

Greece is bracing for another intense wildfire season following a sharp increase in fire incidents in recent years. According to the fire brigade, 9,777 wildfires were recorded in 2023, up from 8,257 in the previous year.

Source: Ekathimerini.com