Wildfires burn in Attica region, Evia Island in Greece
Villages evacuated as precautionary measure
A wildfire that broke out Saturday in a forest at Nea Styra on Evia Island near Athens has prompted authorities to evacuate two villages.
Niborio and the village of Kagadei have been evacuated as a precaution after authorities issued an emergency message through the European Emergency Number 112 informing residents to move to the south of the island.
According to state agency Athens Macedonian news, the fire grew quickly and spread to nearby woods close to the settlement due to very strong winds.
Fire-fighting forces are being sent from all over Evia and mainland Greece, while strong winds did not allow three aircraft to get near the flames.
The fire department said forces of 64 firefighters are currently in the area with three groups on foot along with five helicopters and three Canadair aircraft.
In the meantime, more fires continue to burn areas of the western Attica region in Elefsina, Aspropyrgos and in the Varnavas in eastern Attica.
Police closed several roads to western Attica in Elefsina and Aspropyrgos while fire-fighting forces were trying to prevent the flames from spreading and reaching industrial plants.
Sixty-seven firefighters are in the area of Varnava, with five foot teams, 16 vehicles, five helicopters and seven aircraft.
Deputy Civil Protection and Crises Management Minister Nikos Hardalias said authorities are on standby throughout the country to monitor and contain 51 wildfires that broke out Saturday.
