In a race against time and nature, dozens of firefighters, supported by a fleet of 12 water-carrying planes, are tirelessly working to contain a fierce wildfire that is dangerously close to a critical nature reserve on Mount Parnitha, just 12 kilometers north of Athens. The fire, fueled by gale-force winds, has become a significant concern for the authorities and the local community as it threatens valuable ecological zones and residential areas.

Approximately 80 firefighters are currently engaged in battling the massive blaze, with an additional 100 expected to join the efforts. The strong gusts of wind, exceeding 100 km per hour, are proving to be a formidable challenge, complicating the suppression efforts and putting more pressure on the emergency response teams.

Amidst escalating fire dangers, the Greek authorities have issued warnings through emergency numbers advising residents near Mount Parnitha to be on high alert. The severity of the situation is underscored by the Fire Danger Forecast Map from the Civil Protection Ministry, which indicates a high risk of fire in multiple regions including Attica, Peloponnese, Crete, and the Aegean areas.

Wildfires in Greece have become increasingly frequent and severe, with the country facing hotter, drier, and windier summers each year. In 2023, a devastating two-week heatwave led to numerous wildfires, resulting in the tragic loss of 20 lives and the destruction of nearly 432,000 acres of land, impacting forest and farmland significantly.

The ongoing situation on Mount Parnitha exemplifies the critical challenges faced by Greece in managing and preventing wildfires. The combination of extreme weather conditions and the dense vegetation in the region makes it a hotspot for fire outbreaks, necessitating robust and immediate responses from firefighting units and government agencies.

The battle against the wildfires near Athens is a stark reminder of the broader environmental and climate challenges facing regions around the Mediterranean. As firefighters continue their valiant efforts, the situation serves as a call to action for better preparedness and more substantial measures to prevent such disasters in the future.

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