A large fire has broken out in Athens with the Fire Brigade being alerted, after the outbreak at the foot of Parnitha mountain, near the Monastery of Kleiston.

Already, a message has been sent via “112” for the evacuation of Fili, in the direction of Ano Liosia. According to citizens on the scene, the fire is burning west Parnitha and has entered Hasia.

There is a concern for the nuns who are in the Kleiston Monastery, as the fire is raging rapidly, causing the flames to surround the monastery. The fire brigade in collaboration with the police is trying to clear the way to extricate the approximately 50 people trapped in the convent. Among them are nuns, who have not been able to evacuate.

The situation is considered particularly critical and the thick smoke over the monastery is making the authorities’ efforts particularly difficult.

Firefighting forces have been increased, with 23 vehicles with 56 firefighters operating at the scene, while 4 aircraft and 2 helicopters are operating from the air.

According to the Fire Department, the fire broke out at 11:56 am in a forest area near the area of the Holy Monastery of the Dormition of Theotokos “Kleiston”. The fire is in low vegetation but in a difficult spot, and strong winds are blowing in the area.