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Greek government calls for EU disaster response mechanism over fire

  • Wildfire reached Athens suburbs on Monday afternoon. European Civil Protection Mechanism helps EU countries respond to emergencies

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A firefighter works to extinguish a large fire outside Athens, Greece on Monday. Photo: dpa
EU member states are sending aid to Greece to help battle the massive wildfire burning across woodland northeast of Athens.
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The help comes as the Greek government requests the activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which helps European Union countries respond to emergencies.
The first helicopter from France is expect to arrive on Monday evening, according to media reports.
Italy plans to send two firefighting aircraft by Tuesday and 75 firefighters with 25 vehicles are on their way from the Czech Republic.
A cemetery in Penteli, a municipality in the northern Athens region, is shrouded in thick smoke on Monday. Photo: dpa
A cemetery in Penteli, a municipality in the northern Athens region, is shrouded in thick smoke on Monday. Photo: dpa
A team from Moldova is already on site, while Turkey has also offered help and support from Spain is also expected.
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