A large-scale evacuation operation is under way in Boeotia, where residents and holidaymakers are being transported from Agios Vasileios beach by sea. Firefighters are also battling active fronts in Argolis, while authorities remain on heightened alert ahead of extreme fire conditions forecast for Saturday.
More than 200 evacuated by sea
More than 200 people have already been transported by boat from Agios Vasileios beach to Livadostrata, while arrangements are being made to evacuate approximately another 100.
The operation is being coordinated by the Hellenic Coast Guard’s Operations Centre, with the participation of the Coast Guard, Fire Service, Central Greece regional authorities and the local municipality.
The fire broke out on Friday morning in the Kalamaki area and spread towards Agios Vasileios, with flames approaching homes.
A total of 105 firefighters, seven teams from the EMODE forest firefighting units and 29 vehicles are operating in the area. One helicopter is also assisting from the air.
According to the Fire Service, strong winds and severe turbulence are significantly restricting aerial operations. Firefighters are also tackling a second front in Xiromoni.
A firefighting vessel, a Fire Service speedboat, a Coast Guard vessel and privately owned boats have been deployed to the area. Municipal water tankers and heavy machinery are also supporting the operation.
Emergency alerts issued
Emergency messages were sent through Greece’s 112 warning system, instructing people in affected areas to evacuate.
Following instructions from Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas, tourists and visitors were also barred from approaching Porto Germeno to prevent further congestion on roads used by emergency services and evacuees.
Firefighting forces reinforced in Argolis
Firefighting resources have been reinforced in the Fichti area of the Municipality of Argos-Mycenae in Argolis.
A total of 64 firefighters, four teams from the 9th EMODE unit and 18 vehicles are operating at the scene. Four aircraft and four helicopters are carrying out water drops, supported by municipal water tankers and heavy machinery.
Residents of the Borsa area received a 112 alert instructing them to evacuate towards Koutsopodi.
Chinitsa fire brought under control
The situation has improved in Chinitsa, in the Municipality of Ermionida, where the fire has been brought under control, according to Mayor Ioannis Georgopoulos.
The area had been evacuated as a precaution. Georgopoulos said the rapid deployment of ground and aerial firefighting forces prevented the flames from spreading further.
Extreme fire danger in Attica and Evia
The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has warned of extreme fire danger, category 5, in Attica and Evia on Saturday as particularly adverse weather conditions continue.
A very high fire risk, category 4, is forecast across large parts of the country, including Boeotia, Argolis, Corinthia, Arcadia, Laconia, Phthiotis and Phocis. The warning also covers areas of the northern and southern Aegean, Crete, western Greece and parts of eastern Macedonia and Thrace.
Emergency services remain on heightened alert, with aerial and ground patrols continuing. Preventive restrictions on access to forests and other vulnerable areas are also being enforced.
The Halkidiki regional authority has announced a ban on pedestrians and vehicles entering forested areas in the municipalities of Kassandra, Sithonia and Aristotle between 08:00 and 20:00 on Saturday.
Greek police will carry out checks, while anyone violating the restriction faces an administrative fine of €300.
Source: CNA
