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Athens area wildfires ‘no longer active’

Wildfires in the wider Athens area are no longer active but officials remain on high alert, Greece’s chief fire brigade spokesman has reportedly said.

Milder winds and extensive efforts by the emergency services have helped bring the blazes under control.

Firefighters will continue to douse the ground and maintain a strong presence in the area.

But there is still risk of flare ups because of wind gusts and temperatures soaring well above 30C in the daytime.

One woman died and dozens more people – including firefighters – were injured after the fires affected 100,000 acres of land. Thousands of local residents have been evacuated.

More than 700 firefighters, 199 fire engines and 35 waterbombing aircraft have been involved altogether in efforts to extinguish the fires, which first broke out on Sunday afternoon about 22 miles north of the Greek capital.

Blazes were confirmed in 40 different locations, with some areas seeing flames as high as 82ft by Monday.

Though the fires have largely abated, firefighters are continuing to douse the ground and maintain a strong presence in the capital region, the BBC reported.

Jet2 reiterated earlier advice in an update today (Wednesday), saying: “As it currently stands, Athens airport is still open and we are planning to operate our flights as planned.  

“Please allow extra time for your journey to the airport, as there may be road closures in place.”

The Foreign Office noted in updated travel advice that wildfires are possible in Albania and Serbia from April to October due to the dry and hot weather.

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