Xylokastro fire for third day: Evacuations ordered as 406 firefighters tackle flames amid increasing winds

Authorities respond as ecological damage mounts; Schools closed and emergency services mobilized - The Athens-Patras road has reopened

The fire that broke out on Sunday afternoon in forest areas of Xylokastro continues to rage for the third day. Firefighting forces are engaged in a fierce battle against scattered hotspots, with the main front located above Trikala Korinthias, while the ecological damage is incalculable.

At 7:20 AM on Tuesday, a new message was sent via 112 to the residents of Sofia, urging them to evacuate towards Rethi.

The aerial firefighting resources have increased to eight helicopters and seven planes. Ground forces are also active, comprising 406 firefighters, 16 ground teams, and 132 vehicles.

However, there is growing concern that winds are expected to strengthen after noon, raising fears of flare-ups.

The extent of the fire front has reached 32 kilometers, with flames nearing the national road connecting Patras and Corinth, which was closed last night. However, the road reopened early Tuesday morning.

It is recalled that the fire, which started on Sunday in the Rozenas area, has left behind two men aged 35 and 40 dead, along with burned forests, crops, and infrastructure. The front continues to move with unrelenting intensity towards Trikala Korinthias, while new hotspots are reported in Xanthochori and Vrysoyles.

Mayor of Xylokastro – Evrostini, Vlasis Tsiotos, described the situation as “tragic,” with many active fire hotspots devastating a large part of the mountainous region.

Late last night, residents of Trikala Korinthias watched the flames approach and spent the night on edge. “We prayed all night that the winds wouldn’t blow,” said a local resident. “The flames were visible and heading towards our village. We could do nothing but hope that the wind wouldn’t strengthen and would give us a little time.” The threat to the tourist mountain village of Trikala is serious, with authorities and firefighters battling to halt the fire’s advance.

The mayor noted that the situation in many villages is desperate, with residents and firefighters fighting the flames literally within the settlements. Authorities are struggling to prevent the fire from spreading to the areas of Karyas and Trikala, where the fire has not yet reached, but the danger remains significant.

Regarding damages, initial estimates indicate complete destruction of crops, with many homes also suffering damage. The fire’s passage through the Municipality of Xylokastro – Evrostini has caused immense destruction, including the complete burning of the historical church of Panagia of Kataphygion in Zacholi.