Wildfire in western Greece forces village, beach evacuations

·

A wildfire that broke out Saturday in western Greece forced the evacuation of four villages and people on a beach by the Fire Service, the Coast Guard and private boats, authorities said.

The fire was in a mountain forest 30 kilometers (19 miles) east of Patras, Greece’s third-largest city, Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrysochoidis said late Saturday. Aided by strong winds, the fire raced down the slopes and threatened seaside villages.

The Civil Protection Agency used the 112 European Emergency Number to send text messages to the residents of four villages — two in the mountains and two by the sea — to evacuate. Local media reported that some villagers refused to leave and were trying to fight the fire with garden hoses.

Firefighters operate during a wildfire near Lampiri village, west of Patras, Greece, Saturday, Jul. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Andreas Alexopoulos)

Firefighters told The Associated Press that the fire was a large one, advancing on multiple fronts, although winds had abated somewhat.

Chrysochoidis said on state TV ERT that 290 firefighters were fighting the fire, along with 8 planes, 7 helicopters and a Fire Service special forces boat, which helped evacuate beach-goers and others trapped by the fire near the sea. Coast guard vessels and private boats helped in the evacuation.

The fire shut down the Athens-Patras highway and the 2.9-kilometer (1.8 mile) Rio-Antirrio bridge west of the fire.

Firefighters operate during a wildfire near Lampiri village, west of Patras, Greece, Saturday, Jul. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Andreas Alexopoulos)

A total of 56 wildfires have broken out in the past 24 hours in Greece, aided by a combination of dry weather, a heat wave and strong winds. Most were put out at an early stage, Chrysochoidis said.

The heat wave is expected to peak Monday, with temperatures inland ranging from 42 to 46 degrees Celsius (107.6 to 114.8 Fahrenheit). Temperatures will remain at 40 Celsius (104 Fahrenheit) or above in much of Greece until at least Friday, meteorologists say.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Greek glamour meets Aussie pop: Inside the colourful universe of Stavroula Adameitis

Adelaide-born designer Stavroula Adameitis is a creator of bespoke pieces that she describes as ‘wearable art.’

Melbourne seminar to focus on the odyssey of Michel ‘Pablo’ Raptis

Michel Pablo was a twentieth century revolutionary whose life and ideas remain relevant and inspirational until today.

Lawyer Greg Masselos warns NSW workers’ comp changes could devastate frontline workers

Greg Masselos has warned that proposed changes by the NSW government to raise the threshold for claims could have devastating consequences.

Niki Louca shares how to make Focaccia Bread

Niki Louca from My Greek Kitchen shares her favourite recipe for pita bread with The Greek Herald. You can follow her on Instagram.

Greece and Cyprus top global loneliness rankings

A new study conducted by researchers at Emory University has revealed that Greece and Cyprus are home to the world’s loneliest populations

You May Also Like

Fiona Martin MP: Federal Budget delivers for Reid households, businesses and industry

Fiona Martin MP says the Government's Economic Recovery Plan for Australia will create thousands of jobs and rebuild the economy.

Greek Orthodox Community of SA commemorates 84th OXI Day anniversary

The 84th anniversary of OXI (“NO”) Day was marked with a commemoration in South Australia on Sunday, October 27, 2024.

Greece’s Tourism Minister: We want to develop relations with Australia

Greece’s Tourism Minister, Olga Kefalogianni met with Education Minister, Kyriakos Pierrakakis in Athens to discuss tourism training.