A fire on a plot of land strewn with rubbish and tyres in Renti, a district of western Athens, is now under better control, although thick black smoke has blanketed the area.

The blaze broke out at around midday on Friday at the junction of 28th October Street and General Makrygiannis Street. A strong Fire Service presence remains at the scene and is continuing to fight the flames, as the nature of the materials means large quantities of water are needed. Police have closed off the surrounding roads, while the air is becoming even more suffocating as the flames die down and the smoke settles lower.

Videos show the smoke is especially dense and covering a large part of the area.

A 112 alert, the emergency messaging system used to warn the public by mobile phone, was sent to residents of Attica, the region that includes Athens. The Civil Protection authority urged people in the area to stay at home and keep windows and doors closed.

The message read: “Fire in the Agios Ioannis Rentis area of the Piraeus regional unit. Smoke is heading towards your area. Stay indoors, close doors and windows. Remain on alert and follow the authorities’ instructions.”

Initially, 12 firefighters with five vehicles were sent to the scene, but reinforcements have since brought the total to 18 firefighters with seven vehicles. The Municipality of Rentis has also mobilised water tankers to assist the Fire Service.

A Piraeus arson investigation unit has been called in to establish the cause of the fire.