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

Spurs sack Ange Postecoglou despite Europa League glory

Tottenham Hotspur have confirmed that Ange Postecoglou will not continue as manager next season, despite ending the club’s 17-year trophy drought with a Europa...

Meet TIFFANY: The Greek Australian artist making waves in RnB

Are you looking for your new favourite Greek artist who combines unique sounds of RnB, house and EDM music?

Heirs of a Greek inheritance: Most common problems to deal with

There are many people of Greek descent all over the world whose parents or other close relatives had properties in Greece.

Niki Louca shares her family favourite Indokaridopita (coconut cake) recipe

It is a cake her aunty Panayiota used to make often in years gone by, and one she hasn’t had for a long time.

Naz Vardar to give Melbourne seminar on shaping Vlach identity

The focus lies on the story of a Vlach priest navigating his way within the local Vlach community in Manastir (Bitola).

You May Also Like

NT Government grants land for St Savvas of Kalymnos Greek Orthodox church in Darwin

The government of the Northern Territory has granted land for construction of the new St Savvas of Kalymnos Greek Orthodox church in Darwin.

Kogarah Bay Sunnyside mansion redevelopment denied by court after councillor objection

The building is regarded by some as the oldest property in St George and Sutherland Shire.

Vasili’s Taxidi: When Good Businesses Become Great Ones – Hairem Hairdressing

Vasili speaks with Vicky Zafiropoulos, who recently won the prestigious Business Person of the Year award at the Local Business Awards.