Athens News Agency: News in English, 05-07-28

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From: The Athens News Agency at <http://www.ana.gr/>

CONTENTS

[01] Fire in northeast Attica brought under control, forest land destroyed to be reforested, PM says

[01] Fire in northeast Attica brought under control, forest land destroyed to be reforested, PM says

"This is a clear message to anyone scheming against our quality of life, against the environment. A new forest will be created in place of the one that was destroyed," he added.

He also gave orders for damages to be fully and immediately recorded and for compensation to be paid out to those whose homes were destroyed, in accordance with the law.

Furthermore, Karamanlis thanked the firefighters, policemen, members of the armed forces, local authorities, volunteers and the residents of Attica for their efforts in trying to extinguish the fire under particularly difficult conditions.

He stressed that Thursday's fire was one of the largest to ever hit the Attica region.

Karamanlis was briefed on the situation by Public Order Minister George Voulgarakis, Fire Brigade Chief Christos Smetis and the head of the Fire Brigade's Op Centre.

Voulgarakis also briefed President Karolos Papoulias on the situation and promised to keep him up to date on developments, following the latter's request.

The large fire broke out Thursday morning was brought under control in Thursday evening, according to authorities.

Secretary General for Civil Protection Panayiotis Fourlas said that the firefighting airplanes and helicopters would stop flying at sundown, but a team of firefighters and conscripts on foot would continue patrolling the area during the night to ensure the fire does not flare up again.

The Public Order Ministry ordered the reopening of Marathonos Avenue but has forbidden access, for safety reasons, to the forests of Penteli, Ymittos and Egaleo.

According to the Fire Brigade, four firefighters and four civilians have been hospitalised due to burns and respiratory problems.

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