Several wildfires in Greece are burning across different regions of the country, as gale-force winds are hindering efforts by the fire department to extinguish the flames, confirming experts’ fears that the “Hot-Dry” weather phenomenon would increase the risk.
At the moment, authorities are focused on containing fire fronts in the areas of Saronida, a seaside resort village in east Attica, Arcadia, Argolis and Achaia in the Peloponnese and the island of Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea.
Authorities have closed the Athens-Sounio Avenue, with reports indicating the flames are approaching some residencies, prompting the competent authorities to issue a 112-text message warning to residents, advising them to evacuate towards Glyfada, a suburb in the South Athens regional unit located in the Athens Riviera along the coast of Saronic Gulf.
On the Saronida front, 39 firefighters were dispatched to combat the flames, who were assisted by 2 groups of foot units, 9 vehicles, and 1 helicopter.
First respondents also rushed to a large wildfire that broke out at noon in Arcadia on Friday afternoon. Strong winds and dry conditions resulted in the flames spreading rapidly, while also hampering efforts to contain the flames.
Firefighting reinforcements are continuous in the region, with 30 firefighters, and 15 vehicles operating on-site, supported by a 13-person ground team. Aerial support includes 2 Air Tractors, 1 helicopter, and 3 Canadair planes.
Greek authorities issued a 112 message to residents in small settlements in the area instructing them to evacuate towards Megalopolis, a town in the southwestern part of the regional unit.
Another fire broke out in the Peloponnese region, Argolis which quickly spread. Forty firefighters rushed to the scene assisted by aerial means to deal with the situation.
A fire also broke out on the Ionian Island of Kefalonia. The island’s firefighting forces are on the scene, supported by 2 Air Tractors.
Two more fronts are burning in rural areas in Thebes in Central Greece. The fires, which broke out within minutes of each other, are burning dry grass raising fears that if they are not controlled they might be a risk to businesses and factories in the area.
