A LARGE fire engulfed a plastics recycling plant in the north of Athens today, sending up large clouds of smoke that led to the closure of the national highway.

More than 49 firefighters and two helicopters are battling the blaze that broke out in the suburb of Metamorfosi, reported Athens News Agency.

The northern national highway from the Greek capital to the central city of Lamia is shut because of poor visibility, while people living nearby are urged to keep their doors and windows closed.

The blaze has been contained inside the factory, but because of the plastics that are burning, it is difficult to put out the flames, said fire officials. – AFP, August 15, 2020.