Fourty-five firefighters, 15 fire trucks and a helicopter tried to put out a fire that broke out in factory in the Panorama residential area of Kato Kifissia, north of Athens, on Wednesday.

According to media reports, explosions could be heard as thick black smoke filled the air.

Photo credit: Michalis Karagiannis / EUROKINISSI

The fire broke out at around 3.15p.m. local time.

No casualties have been reported.

Greece’s Citizen Protection Ministry sent warning text messages via the 112 emergency number, advising residents to stay indoors and shut all doors and windows.

Photo credit: Michalis Karagiannis / EUROKINISSI

The factory named PAL has been manufacturing stainless steel cooking utensils for 22 years.

Police also shut down traffic on the Athens-Lamia highway from Kalyftaki Bridge, in the Athens-bound lanes, and on Seneka and Egidon sts.