A massive wildfire erupted in Varnavas, Attica, within the Municipality of Marathon with another fire breaking out in the Megara region early Sunday afternoon. High winds have exacerbated the situation, keeping the Fire Department on high alert as the blaze continues to spread.
The Varnavas fire initially ignited on Rematias Avenue, close to the border with the Municipality of Oropos. In response, the Fire Department has significantly bolstered its efforts in the area, deploying a robust force of 165 firefighters, supported by 9 ground teams, 30 vehicles, 7 aircraft, and 5 helicopters to battle the flames.
Regarding the fire in Megara, the situation has improved, according to the local mayor, who spoke to MEGA TV. While several homes have been completely destroyed, the fire is now partially under control. The mayor emphasized that the primary concern of the Greek Fire Department is to prevent the dense, untouched forest—spared by previous fires—from burning.
Evacuation Orders Issued
Authorities have issued an emergency evacuation order via the 112 alert system, advising residents in the affected areas to evacuate immediately. Specifically:
• Residents in the Neo Mazi Megaron area are directed to move towards Aigeirouses.
• Those in Varnavas, Attica, should head towards Grammatiko and Kapandriti.
Traffic Diversions in Place
As a result of the wildfire, traffic diversions have been put in place in the Megara area:
• Alepochori-Skinos Coastal Road and the route from Mazi to the Neo Mazi settlement.
• Alepochori-Skinos Coastal Road and an unnamed road leading to the Holy Monastery of Agios Ioannis Prodromos Makrinos.
• Megara-Aigeirouses Peripheral Road towards Aigeirouses from the Distrata location.
• Alepochori-Skinos Coastal Road towards Skinos at the Aigeirouses shop in Alepochori.
Additional traffic regulations have been implemented in Varnava due to the ongoing fire:
• Kapandriti-Varnavas Provincial Road.
• Grammatiko-Varnavas Provincial Road.
• Varnavas Beach Provincial Road.
The Greek Police (ELAS) have emphasized that no vehicles will be permitted to enter the Varnavas settlement area under these restrictions.