Major wildfires rage across multiple fronts in Greece
Source: in-cyprus.com
Large-scale wildfires are burning out of control across Kythira, Messenia, and Evia as extreme fire danger conditions persist throughout Greece amid an ongoing severe heatwave.
The most critical situation has developed in Pissona, Psachna in Evia, where 115 firefighters supported by 24 vehicles, six aircraft, and seven helicopters are battling flames that have already destroyed poultry and pig farming facilities. Four firefighters have been hospitalised and two fire service vehicles consumed by flames.
Emergency evacuation orders via the 112 alert system have been issued for multiple communities, with Pissona residents directed to evacuate towards Afrati as flames threaten the village perimeter.
Evia fire reaches critical point
The Evia blaze has reached the dangerous threshold of the Artaki-Kymi provincial road, with firefighters working desperately to prevent flames crossing this strategic barrier. Regional Governor of Central Greece Fanis Spanos described the situation as “extremely critical” and appealed for additional aerial support.
“We are fighting a battle that exceeds human limits. If we cannot stop this destructive front, the consequences will be nightmarish,” Spanos told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency.
Firefighting forces have been reinforced with personnel from the 20th and 4th Emergency Response Units, volunteers, and local authority water trucks and heavy machinery. The fire continues burning through dense vegetation with constantly shifting winds complicating operational planning and threatening new areas.
Agricultural infrastructure has suffered significant losses, with livestock facilities surrendered to flames alongside substantial damage to related infrastructure and animal stock.
Kythira evacuations
On Kythira, 32 firefighters supported by 10 vehicles and volunteer units are combating a blaze in agricultural and forest land near Pitsinades that began before 09:30. Winds reaching Force 6 on the Beaufort scale are hampering suppression efforts.
Two helicopters and six aircraft provide aerial support, while 16 additional firefighters with six vehicles are travelling by ferry from Neapoli, Laconia, to reinforce ground operations.
Multiple evacuation orders have been issued through the 112 emergency system. Residents of Araoi have been directed to evacuate towards Livadi, whilst earlier alerts instructed Aroniadika residents to move towards Fraligiangika.
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