New wildfire fronts broke out around midday on Thursday in Rethymno, Paros, Andros and Kalymnos, while strong winds continued to hamper firefighting operations and trigger successive evacuations through the 112 emergency alert system.
The most serious new outbreak was recorded in Asomatos, Rethymno, where the Fire Service was notified at approximately 1:15 p.m. Forces were reinforced to 72 firefighters, including four teams on foot from the 3rd, 6th and 19th Special Forest Operations Units, one team from the 3rd Special Disaster Response Unit and 13 vehicles.
Three helicopters were deployed for aerial firefighting, but strong winds are causing serious difficulties in collecting water. Evacuation alerts were issued for Gefyra, Monastiri, Limni Preveli, Gianniou, Lefkogeia, Ammoudi and Damnoni, with different escape routes designated for each area.
Meanwhile, the battle against flare-ups continues in Agia Paraskevi, involving more than 200 firefighters and over 40 vehicles, while there are reports of homes being consumed by the flames.
In southern Paros, a new fire broke out near Trypiti beach and led to two successive evacuations: from Aspro Chorio towards Dryos and from Kamari towards Alyki. This is a separate front from the fire that had started at the island’s landfill site, while ground and aerial forces are operating in the area to contain the flare-ups.
The Municipality of Agios Vasileios in Rethymno has been declared in a state of emergency for three months.
On Andros, a wildfire broke out in Paleopolis, with the 112 emergency service instructing residents to move towards Batsi. Twelve firefighters, five vehicles and one helicopter are operating in the area, while winds are reaching force seven on the Beaufort scale.
The adverse conditions also prevented the “Super Star” ferry from approaching the port of Andros, forcing the vessel to continue towards Tinos.
A new outbreak was also recorded on Kalymnos, where eight firefighters, three vehicles and one helicopter are operating.
At the same time, the fires in Charakas, Keratea, and Stefani, Tanagra, have been brought under partial control, while scattered hotspots remain in Plomari, Lesvos.
In Sitia, two fire engines were completely destroyed, while two firefighters suffered minor burns as they attempted to escape. A very high wildfire risk is also forecast for Friday across a large part of the country, with the authorities remaining on heightened alert.
Sources: Kathimerini
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