Open-air theater in northern Athens goes up in flames

The Rematia Theater in the northeastern Athens suburb of Halandri has been destroyed, possibly in an arson attack.

The open-air theater, located in the small verdant ravine on the banks of a stream that runs through the area, caught on fire around lunchtime. Some 30 firefighters and 10 fire engines were needed to put out the blaze, which also burned surrounding trees. No injuries were reported.

Deputy Governor for Attica Giorgos Karameros suggested in a tweet that the theater had been set on fire on purpose. He pledged that it would be rebuilt.

Halandri Mayor Simos Roussos also claimed that the fire was a result of arson and alleged that he has been under attack since taking over control of the municipality as the head of a leftist coalition.