ATHENS, January 4 – A minor fire incident caused a stir yesterday evening at the Presidential Secretariat building, located at the junction of Stisichorou and Vasileos Georgiou B’ streets in central Athens. Smoke was observed emanating from the building shortly after 6:00 PM, leading to an immediate alert.
Rapid Response to the Incident
It was quickly determined that the affected building houses the secretariat services of the Presidency of the Republic. This building is separate from the main Presidential Mansion complex, situated in a different block behind the mansion and adjacent to the Turkish Embassy. The identification of the building as part of the Presidential services prompted a heightened state of alert among emergency responders.
Police promptly closed Vasileos Georgiou and Stisichorou streets to traffic as a precautionary measure. Twelve firefighters with three vehicles were dispatched to the scene to address the situation. Their rapid deployment was crucial in containing the incident.
The Nature of the Fire
The fire was identified as a small blaze in a storage area for electrical equipment in the building’s basement, near the boiler. Firefighters were able to bring the incident under partial control around 6:30 PM, approximately 30 minutes after the initial report of smoke.
No injuries were reported, and the quick action of the fire department prevented the fire from spreading or causing extensive damage. The incident highlights the preparedness of emergency services in the Greek capital, particularly in areas of high importance such as the Presidential offices.
This incident occurred amidst other significant events in Greece, including widespread flight disruptions due to technical issues at airports across the country, which the Civil Aviation Authority described as an ‘unprecedented incident of massive interference’ [cnn.gr](https://www.cnn.gr/ellada/story/512924/ekleise-to-fir-athinon-adynates-oi-prosgeioseis-kai-apogeioseis-logo-texnikoy-provlimatos). Additionally, the day saw the passing of journalist Giorgos Papadakis due to a heart attack.
Investigation Underway
Authorities will conduct an investigation to determine the exact cause of the fire in the electrical equipment storage area. Such incidents, even minor ones, are thoroughly examined to prevent future occurrences and ensure the safety of public buildings.
The Presidency of the Hellenic Republic is an independent public service, administratively and fiscally, aimed at serving the President in the exercise of their duties [presidency.gr](https://www.presidency.gr/organosi-leitourgia/armodiothtes-grafeion/). The Presidential Mansion itself is located in a central part of Athens, behind the National Garden and the Parliament [presidency.gr](https://www.presidency.gr/proedriko-megaro/), with the Prime Minister’s office, Maximos Mansion, also situated on Irodou Attikou Street [primeminister.gr](https://www.primeminister.gr/2024/12/04/35464).
Source: [ethnos.gr](https://www.ethnos.gr/greece/amp/393639/anastatoshmetaapofotiasektiriothsproedriasthsdhmokratiasstokentrothsathhnas)
