Handful of Wildfires on the Day; Train Line Interrupted

The dreaded “wildfire front” in Greece on Sunday has one blaze raging at the Marathos site in the central mainland prefecture of Evritania, with authorities reporting a contingent of 16 fire-fighters and one ground unit at the scene operating four fire engines. Six water-dropping aircraft were also taking part in the fire-fighting operation.

On a more ominous note, a wildfire along brushland near the upland town of Litochoro, in the north-central prefecture of Litochoro, erupted early Sunday afternoon. A notification issued by SMS called on local residents to evacuate the area towards the coast as a precaution. Ground units and three aircraft were dispatched to the scene.

Additionally, the fire brigade order the shutdown of power along the main north-south railroad line near the Litochoro station, meaning delays for train routes passing through the juncture.

Another wildfire was raging for a second day in a forested area along Mt. Falakro, in the border municipality of Kato Nevrokopi, in the Drama prefecture. A larger contingent – 32 fire-fighters and two ground units – were at the scene, with one helicopter dropping water. On the positive side, scattered rain was forecast for the specific area on Sunday, a welcome prospect.

Finally, a wildfire that burned brush and pasture land at the Kamari site on the island of Ikaria was contained and dying down, according to local authorities.