Wildfires sweep Zakynthos, Kefalonia and mainland Greece prompting mass evacuations

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Multiple wildfires are raging across Greece, forcing urgent evacuations as strong winds and difficult terrain hamper firefighting efforts.

On Zakynthos, a large blaze near Kiliomeno spread to the outskirts of Agalás, threatening Kerí and Lithakiá.

Authorities issued several 112 alerts, ordering evacuations from Agalás to Kerí and from Lake Kerí to Zakynthos Town. At least one unoccupied house was destroyed and up to six others damaged.

A hotel in Apeláti was evacuated, while another initially refused to comply until firefighters intervened. More than 60 firefighters, two ground teams, 17 vehicles, two water-bombing aircraft and a helicopter are tackling the fire, supported by reinforcements from Patras and Kyllíni.

In Kefalonia, a fire in Laggáda, Argostoli, forced residents of Farakláta, Dilináta and Davgáta to evacuate towards Mýrtos, with sixty firefighters and aerial resources working to protect homes.

In Achaia, large-scale evacuations have been ordered in Western Achaia and the Erymanthos plain, with residents moved from industrial zones to the sea. Several villages are affected and the Patras–Tripoli National Road has been closed. Fifty firefighters, two ground teams, 12 vehicles, seven aircraft and a helicopter are engaged, with unconfirmed reports of burn injuries.

In Aetolia-Acarnania, a blaze near Paliampela, Vonitsa, destroyed at least one house and is advancing toward commercial areas. More than 85 firefighters and extensive aerial support are on scene.

In Preveza, flames in Gymnótópos have reached the village, threatening homes and prompting a closure of the Ionian Motorway and evacuations from Driófytos.

Fires in Ammótópos, Arta, and Daphnós, Fokida, are under control, though crews remain on site to prevent flare-ups.

On Lesvos, a blaze near the Moní Leimónos monastery burned eight acres before being contained by 30 firefighters, two aircraft and municipal water trucks.

In Chios, fires between Potamiá and Pispilounta have triggered evacuations towards Volissós, with 25 firefighters and a helicopter on scene and reinforcements expected.

In Patras, a separate apartment fire on Grevenon Street has trapped residents, with crews working on rescues.

Meanwhile, new fires have been reported near Elaiochóri in Messinia and in Alexandroupoli, where a vacant lot blaze destroyed vehicles and machinery.

Authorities are investigating suspected arson in Aetolia-Acarnania and Epirus, following multiple recent outbreaks. An incendiary device was found in Drosia, Attica, and a suspect is in custody.

Civil Protection has placed nine regions on high fire risk (orange alert) and is urging residents to follow evacuation orders and avoid any activity that could ignite further blazes.

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