Massive Fire Sparks Fears Across Perama
A powerful fire erupted in Perama, prompting the mayor, Giannis Lagoudakos, to warn that extensive fuel storage facilities nearly endangered the entire Attica basin.
Mayor Highlights Extreme Danger
The mayor stated that flames reaching 20 meters in height rose along the main and only avenue of Perama, creating a highly hazardous situation for residents and emergency responders.
Firefighting Efforts Over Several Hours
Firefighting teams worked for 4 continuous hours to contain the blaze, while the whole area remained on alert due to the spreading fire and heavy smoke.
Concerns Over Flammable Installations
Mayor Lagoudakos emphasized that 400 acres of flammable industrial facilities threatened Attica, stressing that the area contains fuel tanks and has only one entry and exit route.
Evacuation Coordination and Safety Standards
He explained that authorities coordinated evacuation through the Naval Base toward Skaramanga, noting that if the incident had occurred at midday, the outcome might have been dramatically different. He also reminded that under the Seveso directive, hazardous facilities should not be located near residential zones.
Fuel Pipelines and Broader Risks
The mayor stressed the urgency of removing fuel tanks from neighborhoods with schools and homes. He added that pipelines run from Aspropyrgos to Perama and warned that if they had not been shut off, the fire might have reached the National Highway.
Initial Findings on the Cause
Early indications suggest the fire did not start from flammable waste, contrary to earlier reports. Fire authorities estimate it was triggered by a gas leak.
Strong Response From Fire Services
A total of 48 firefighters with 14 vehicles were deployed, supported by municipal machinery. It took 4 hours for the fire to be brought under partial control.
Safety Instructions to Residents
Authorities sent an emergency alert via the 112 system urging residents to remain indoors due to the fire and dense smoke.
Damage and Aftermath
The blaze caused extensive damage to the area, though fortunately no injuries were reported.
