A massive wildfire that ignited in Varnavas, in East Attica, early Sunday afternoon continues to blaze uncontrollably, now threatening the Marathon region. Authorities have begun evacuating residents from Stamata and Mikrochori as the situation worsens.

The 112 emergency service issued specific evacuation instructions. Residents in the Mikrochori area of Oropos municipality are advised to move towards Kapandriti and Afidnes via the National Road.

Additionally, at 6:30 p.m., 112 sent out a warning to those in Stamata, Rodopoli, Agios Stefanos, and Dionysos, urging them to remain vigilant and follow any further directives from authorities.

Shortly after, a second alert was issued advising the evacuation of Stamata via Drosia and Kifisia towards the national road.

The Fire Department has reported that strong winds reaching 8 Beaufort at the fire’s onset have caused it to spread rapidly.

Currently, the fire is advancing towards Marathon Lake, with firefighting teams intensifying their efforts. “The blaze is now encountering flames up to 25 meters high,” said a Fire Department spokesperson.

The wildfire has also triggered explosions on electricity pylons, resulting in power outages across the Marathon municipality.

In a coordinated rescue operation by the Greek special police force, 25 people trapped in vehicles in the Varnavas area were freed, with an earlier rescue of 40 individuals from their cars.

The Deputy Regional Governor of Eastern Attica has confirmed that the fire remains extensive and continues to spread due to the persistent winds.

Firefighting efforts have been significantly bolstered, with 250 firefighters, 9 foot patrols, 30 vehicles, and 19 aerial units currently deployed. The primary focus is on conducting as many aerial water drops as possible before nightfall.

A large team of volunteer Samaritan-Rescuers from the Hellenic Red Cross is also en route to support the firefighting operations.

In response to the ongoing emergency, the police have implemented several traffic diversions in the affected areas:

• Provincial Road Kapandriti-Varnavas
• Provincial Road Grammatiko-Varnavas
• Provincial Road Varnavas Beach-Varnavas
• From the Kalenzi settlement towards Grammatiko
• Marathon Lake and Anapafseos Avenue
• Marathon Avenue from Megalou Alexandrou Street
• Grammatiko Avenue from the Marathon area