Arrest of a 37 year old linked to Menidi fire
Authorities arrested a 37 year old Roma man who admitted responsibility for a fire that destroyed four factories in the Menidi area.
Confession regarding cable burning
According to available information he acknowledged that he took cables from a plastics factory and burned them on site to collect copper causing the fire to spread and destroy the plastics facility along with three neighboring businesses.
Current status of the fire
The Fire Service reported that the blaze has been contained and no further risk of expansion remains.
Rapid spread during early morning hours
The fire broke out early on Monday 19 1 and quickly intensified due to the large amount of flammable materials inside the factory resulting in extensive destruction. Significant damage occurred throughout the business premises and nearby buildings were also affected.
Large firefighting operation
A strong firefighting effort was mobilized with 50 firefighters 19 vehicles and a specialized boom truck supported by water tankers from the municipality and the Attica Region as well as volunteers.
Emergency message to residents
Due to dense smoke an emergency alert via 112 was sent to residents advising them to stay indoors and keep doors and windows closed until the situation improved.
Additional public safety instructions
A second 112 warning advised residents in the Acharnon area to remain in enclosed spaces and follow official guidance due to heavy smoke covering the region.
Total destruction of the factory
The factory located in a mixed area at the junction of Dekeleias and Katara streets next to the A Police Department of Acharnon was completely consumed by flames with large quantities of flammable materials accelerating the fire spread.
