Türkiye has announced it will send two firefighting planes and a helicopter to assist Greece in fighting a large wildfire near Athens.
Oncu Keceli, the spokesperson for the Turkish foreign ministry, stated on Monday that preparations are being made to send the aircraft to aid Greece in its efforts to control the wildfire affecting the Athens area.
Earlier, Türkiye’s Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan had informed Greece that Türkiye is ready to offer assistance as a gesture of good neighborly relations, according to Turkish diplomatic sources.
The Greek government responded that they would assess Türkiye’s offer and request support if needed. The sources further explained that Türkiye is able to provide this assistance as there are currently no significant wildfires within its own borders.
The fire, which began on Sunday afternoon in the Varnavas area, has rapidly spread, creating a firefront stretching over 30 kilometers (18.6 miles), according to reports.
Read More: Wildfire Near Athens Forces Residents to Flee as Flames Spread Rapidly
The blaze is currently active on three main fronts, prompting evacuation orders for several settlements. A children’s hospital, a military hospital, and at least two monasteries have already been evacuated.
Türkiye’s preparations to dispatch the firefighting aircraft are in progress as the neighboring countries work together to address the wildfire crisis near Athens.
