The fire raging out of control in the region of Villia, NW Athens, has burnt homes and storage houses in the areas of Inoi, Karouli, Agios Georgios, Paleohori and Titan.
The Fire Brigade’s arson division has also arrested 28 people for 24 fires since 5 August. Of these, 13 are accused of intentional arson and 3 for serial arson. Three have already been sentenced to jail (five years without suspension, two years, and 18 months).
A large number of fires were the result of a heatwave.
Fire appeals have been started by the diaspora with the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese having gathered $400,000, despite churches being shut due to lockdown. Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of Australia has also started its own separate firefighting appeal and has set up its own gofundme page (gofundme.com/f/greece-2021-fire-appeal) and account. To help in the Archdiocese’s efforts deposit money to BSB 082 057, account number 12 693 2006
READ MORE: Greece and Australia, two different approaches to raging fires
Meanwhile, the Greek Community of Melbourne has gathered the support of groups from around the community but have yet to release the amount which has been raised. Those who wish to support the Fire Appeal can do so via https://gofund.me/e071edf0 at the Greek Community – (Greek Fires) account (BSB: 063 023, and account number 1042 1568).
The Greek Community of NSW has also opened a Delphi Bank account for people to offer money for those devastated by the fires in Greece. Those who wish to support the cause can do so by depositing into ‘The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW Ltd – Greek Fire Victims Appeal 2021’ account (BSB: 941200, Account number: 200637044).
AHEPA Victoria has offered $10,000 for victims of the Greek fires raised via its GoFundMe Campaign: AHEPA VICTORIA GREEK FIRES APPEAL, organised by AHEPA VICTORIA, or via the AHEPA Victoria inc. Philanthropy at Westpac Bank BSB 033089 Ac No. 609293
With the advice of Red Cross in Greece, Australian Red Cross has a fundraising target of $500,000 for this appeal.
