Regarding the forest fire that occurred earlier in the area of ​​Parnitha (Hasia, Attica), the FLAME pyrometeorological team of the METEO unit of the National Observatory of Athens (EAA) informs:

The fire behaves as a backing fire, spreading north-northeast, against the prevailing wind direction.

An important role in this behavior of the fire is played by its interaction with the complex topography and in particular the steep slopes of the area, so it can also move with relative speed against the weakened north-easterly winds at this time.

In addition, the presence of dense and continuous vegetation combined with the ravines of the area favors the temporary development of extreme behavior. Based on the image presented by the fire, it is expected that its northward spread will slow down as it approaches the ridge.

At the same time, it is expected to continue its lateral development, west and east. Finally, it is noted that a very critical element for the complete control of the fire will be the effective control of any foci that remain active within the ravines of the area.

As far as the evolution of the pyrometeorological conditions is concerned, they are currently showing little improvement. However, weakening winds aid the fire’s interaction with topography and continued spread to the north-northeast, as noted above. From early in the morning (03:00) on Wednesday 23.08.2023 we expect a worsening of the fire-meteorological conditions, which will remain unfavorable until the late afternoon (19:00) of the same day.

The above is summarized in the pyrometeogram in Figure 1.