Royal tombs are burned and flames threaten hundreds of valuable documents, paintings and other artifacts
The situation with the fires near Athens is out of control, the situation is nightmarish. Houses are burning north of Athens, a mass evacuation has been necessary in the area of the former royal mansion near the Greek capital, local media reported.
Fueled by the worst heatwave in decades, the fires approached a summer palace in Tatoi outside Athens, once used by the former Greek royal family, as well as an archeological site in southern Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Olympic Games.
“The country is facing an unprecedented environmental crisis with many major fires,” said Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who visited Tatoi, as well as Ancient Olympia, where flame-lighting ceremonies for the Summer and Winter Olympics are held every two years.
According to local media, the tombs near the former palace are currently burning, and the flames are approaching hundreds of historical documents, valuable paintings and other significant artifacts.
A volunteer firefighter told SKAI that the fire, which reached Hippocrates Polythea, was in a state in which it could not be controlled. The fire in the area burns uncontrollably and spreads.
Police evacuated people there as they approached the houses.
