Fire in forest area in Chania-Crete
According to the Fire Department, the fire broke out around 08:25 and was burning low vegetation. A little while ago a message was sent via the emergency number 112 to the residents in the vicinity of Souda naval base, instructing them to move away from their area.
Seventy firefighters with five teams of firefighters on foot and 19 vehicles are operating to extinguish the fire.
In particular, the message stated: "If you are in the area of Souda naval base, move away from the area. Forest fire in your area. Follow the authorities' instructions."
Meanwhile, the mayor of Chania, Panagiotis Simandirakis, decided to evacuate school buildings close to where the fire has broken out as a precaution, while the competent civil protection services in the Municipality of Chania have been put on full alert.
The fire brigade's efforts to put out the fire in the area are starting to have a result, the Deputy Regional Governor for Civil Protection in Chania, Giorgos Tsapakos, told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.
According to Tsapakos, due to the fire, the start of the 2nd phase of the MINOAS earthquake protection exercise will be delayed.
Meanwhile, there are still strong winds blowing in the area.
AMNA
