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

Serbia and Greece vow to boost military ties

Greece and Serbia have agreed to strengthen their bilateral relations to ensure stability and security in the broader region.

Much-loved Cypriot Australian Peter Yiannoudes passes away

The Cypriot Australian community mourns the loss of Peter Yiannoudes, a beloved figure with pivotal influence on the success of Greek cinema.

Greece says US elections will not affect ties with Washington

Greek PM Mitsotakis asserted that regardless of the outcome of the election, Greece and USA will continue to share a strategic relationship.

Greek fire in ‘The Belly of the Beast’ at St Kilda

‘The Vineyard’ in St Kilda (also known as ‘The Belly of the Beast’) has a long and rich ethnic-Australian heritage.

Jenny Souris Foundation Gala raises $100,000 to help young cancer fighter Jack

The Jenny Souris Foundation’s fundraising gala raised funds for four-year-old Jack, who is courageously battling Stage IV Neuroblastoma.

You May Also Like

‘Find the thing that brings you joy and nurture that’: Natalie Kyriacou on leading a balanced life

Natalie has recently has featured in a Women's Agenda's series that asks dynamic women how they maintain their physical and mental health

Crete and Pontus: Sydney event captures modern Greek culture through traditional songs

On Sunday, 15 October an event showcasing Crete and Pontus through traditional music and dancing took place.

Nicole Christodoulou leads ParaMatildas to victory in Asia-Oceania championship

Nicole Christodoulou has helped lead the ParaMatildas to victory against Japan in the IFCPF Asia-Oceania Championships.