A wildfire broke out in low vegetation in the Argithea area of Koropi in East Attica on Monday, triggering an emergency warning for residents.
Greece's Civil Protection service activated the 112 emergency system shortly after the outbreak, sending a text alert to mobile phones across the region. The message instructed people in Argithea to remain on standby and follow all directions issued by local authorities.
The Fire Service Operations Center received the initial notification regarding the blaze at approximately 12:00 pm. Ground forces deployed rapidly to the scene to prevent the flames from spreading through the dry vegetation.
Firefighting operation and aerial response
A total of 60 firefighters were assigned to the operation, supported by 17 fire engines and volunteer crews. The ground response included three specialized walking units from the 1st Special Unit for Wildland Operations, known as EMODE.
Air support was mobilized alongside the ground crews, with two firefighting airplanes and three helicopters conducting water drops over the area. Municipal water tankers from the Municipality of Kropia were also dispatched to assist fire crews on the ground.
Fire risk index and arson investigation
Civil Protection authorities had placed the East Attica area under Category 3 high fire risk status for Monday, reflecting dry weather conditions and elevated temperatures that increase ignition risks.
Investigators from the East Attica Arson Crime Investigation Squad were mobilized to determine the exact cause of the outbreak. Official image documentation of the response was provided via Pyrkagia Enimerosi on Facebook.
Background on emergency alerts and fire response in Greece
Greece relies on the automated 112 cell broadcast alert system to issue rapid emergency notices and standby directions during wildfire incidents. The country's specialized EMODE units consist of trained wildland firefighters created to tackle complex fires in difficult terrain across the Greek peninsula.
Koropi is located in the East Attica regional unit, approximately 30 kilometres southeast of central Athens. The surrounding area features low Mediterranean brush, olive groves, and dry shrubland that frequently face heightened wildfire danger during the peak summer months.
