A large forest fire is raging on the island of Evia off the east coast of the Attica prefecture, as strong winds blowing in the area are hampering the efforts of first respondents battling the flames.
Due to the critical situation, the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, has arrived on the scene, where he will participate in an operation plan to coordinate the next steps in an effort to minimize the threats to the locals and best contain the blaze. The Coast Guard is also on alert if evacuations from sea are needed.
Currently, 11 planes are assisting the efforts of the sizeable firefighting forces operating in the Kymi-Aliveri municipality. Earlier the firefighting forces failed to contain the front along the national highway, with the blaze crossing the route and merging into a larger front within the Dystos plain in central Evia.
According to the Fire Department, the fire is inching toward residencies, between the settlements of Krieza and Petries, but with a southern direction due to the strong northerly winds blowing in the area, with a force of 4 and gusts up to 7 Beaufort.
Authorities have deployed excavation machinery and water tanks to the area to create firebreaks and prevent the flames from spreading.
A message was sent via 112 to the residents of the areas of Krieza, Koskina, and Petries in Evia, urging them to evacuate the aforementioned settlements due to the ongoing forest fire.
The smoke from the large wildfire, which continues to rapidly spread, has become visible even at the port of Rafina on mainland Greece, which it has covered.
According to the Fire Department, the fire broke out around 3:17 pm (Greek time) in a forested area between the regions of Petries and Krieza. To extinguish it, 90 firefighters are working with two ground teams, 30 vehicles, 11 aircraft, and three helicopters.
