Evia Wildfire: Ongoing Battle Against Spreading Flames

A wildfire that ignited in Central Evia yesterday continues to spread, having started in the village of Pissonas and rapidly advancing toward Afrati, devastating pine forests and agricultural land in its path.

Firefighters, both on the ground and using aerial resources, have been battling to contain the blaze on the mountain. However, strong winds have intensified the fire, posing a significant threat to firefighting vehicles. An evacuation order has been issued for the village of Afrati, with firefighting forces working tirelessly to protect homes in the area.

The firefighting effort has been bolstered with reinforcements from Central Greece, Attica, and Thessaly. The fire, which broke out around 1:47 PM in Pissonas, is being driven south by strong northerly winds, with gusts reaching up to 7 Beaufort, creating new fire fronts.

Currently, 120 firefighters are on the scene, supported by 5 ground teams, 40 vehicles, 11 aircraft, and 6 helicopters. Local Government organisations have provided additional water tankers and machinery, and police forces have been deployed to assist.

Coordination of all civil protection forces is being managed from the mobile operational centre “Olympus.” Two emergency messages have been issued via 112. The first, at 2:55 PM, urged residents to remain on alert, and the second, at 4:02 PM, instructed the evacuation of Afrati towards Vasiliko. Another message was sent to residents of Kamari, Kalyvia, and Saint George Arma monastery, instructing them to evacuate towards Chalkis.