Wildfires rage across Greece; Fire Brigade battles to contain them
The Fire Brigade is battling to extinguish fires raging in many areas of Greece. Firefighters, volunteers, and aircraft have been fighting tirelessly since Tuesday morning to protect people, save homes, and contain the fires.
Late on Tuesday afternoon, the Coast Guard carried out two operations in Chios and Achaia to rescue citizens at risk from the fires. In Chios, an operation is underway to rescue people from the beaches of Limnia and Agia Markella in Volissos.
So far, 56 people have been rescued and transported to Lithi.
Northern Chios wildfire remains out of control; new evacuations issued
A wildfire burning since noon in northern Chios is out of control. Evacuation orders are being sent via 112 for villages including Katavasi, Deefes, Sidirounta, Fyta, and Kipouria. On Tuesday at 9:45 pm, a 112 alert was issued to evacuate Parparia toward Kampia and Kardamyla.
At 6 pm, four Fire Brigade vehicles and 18 firefighters left the port of Mytilene on the ferry bound for Chios. Firefighting efforts will be reinforced by a team of forest rangers and another helicopter. Additional reinforcements from other parts of Greece are also expected in Chios.
Winds gusting at 9 beaufort blow in Achaia
Strong winds gusting at 9 Beaufort are blowing in Achaia, making firefighting efforts difficult. According to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, four fires were still burning at sunset. In areas close to the fire fronts, 112 messages were issued calling for evacuation.
The first and main fire broke out in the Isoma area, near the industrial zone of Patras, and is moving towards Kato Alissos.
Three Coast Guard vessels and private boats are on standby in the sea area from Kaminia to Vrachnaika, Patras, to provide assistance in case of a fire that broke out in Platani, Achaia. In Achaia, two people were taken from a hotel and seven from the wider area to the port of Patras.
The second fire is raging in the Glafkos area but has been brought under control. The third is in the Platani area and continues near a residential zone.
A new wildfire broke out late Tuesday in the Sychaina area, north of Patras. Police are evacuating residents from the wider Kamina and Tsoukaleika in Achaia. The Municipality of Patras announced that the 7th Lyceum and the 54th Primary School in the city’s southern district will remain open overnight to shelter those affected, along with the municipal guesthouse for residents evacuated from nearby settlements.
Achaia: Traffic disruptions due to fire
Due to the wildfire, traffic has been banned on the following roads:
On the new Patras-Pyrgos National Road
On the old Patras-Pyrgos National Road
On the roads from the Kato Achaia junction to Ovria-Patras
From the VIPE junction and on the Patras-Tripoli National Road.
Zakynthos: The battle with the flames continues on three fronts
The wildfire in Zakynthos, which broke out shortly after 5:30 am on Tuesday in a forest area in the Koiliomeno region, has taken on serious proportions. All of Zakynthos’ firefighting forces have been mobilised since Tuesday morning. Strong winds are blowing in the area.
One front of the fire is in Agala, heading towards Keri; the second in Koiliomeno; and the third towards the village of Lithakia. All tourist accommodation in the Agala and Keri areas has been evacuated. Tourists are being transferred to other hotels. The fire has caused serious damage to houses, stables and a restaurant in the area.
Fire reignites in the Municipality of Volvi
Early on Tuesday evening, the fire that broke out at noon on Monday in an agricultural and forest area in the municipality of Volvi, Thessaloniki, reignited. Shortly before 7pm, residents of Vaiokhorion village received a notification from 112 urging them to evacuate to Nymphopetra.
Wildfire in Messolonghi still burning
The wildfire in Stamna, Messolonghi, is still burning. Residents were asked to evacuate the village via a message to 112.
There are constant flare-ups, and the wind direction is constantly changing, making it very difficult to extinguish the fire.
82 fires reported in the last 24 hours
In the past 24 hours, Greece has experienced 82 fires, with 59 brought under control immediately and 23 still active.
Fire Brigade spokesman Vassilis Varthakogiannis told an emergency briefing that firefighting forces responded to 106 fires on Tuesday, as several active fire fronts have persisted since Monday.
Arrests and fines by the Fire Brigade
Meanwhile, in the last 24 hours, the Fire Brigade made arrests as citizens, despite strong recommendations, lit fires in the countryside and carried out outdoor work. Specifically, four arrests were made in Attica, Evia, Thessaloniki, and Chalkidiki, and heavy fines were imposed.
(Story updated at 00.15 am) AMNA
