Update from the National Fire Department Operations Centre
ATHENS. Deputy Fire Chief Yiannis Artopios: ΄We remain in a state of alert."
There was an emergency update on forest fires today, July 27, at 11:15 am by Deputy Fire Department Spokesperson, Deputy Fire Chief Yiannis Artopios, from the National Coordination Centre for Crisis Management and Operations in Maroussi, Athens.
Update
All Civil Protection forces continue to operate on all fire fronts.
The fire that broke out near the Health Centre in Kymi, Evia, this morning, has been brought under control.
In the broader area of Volos, during the night, the rekindling approached settlements. Therefore, four alerts were issued by the 112 service, two warning messages and two messages for the evacuation of the settlements Melissatika, Chrysi Akti Panagias, Velanidia, Marathos and Kritharia near the city of Volos. To combat the scattered fires that have been controlled so far, strong ground forces are operating, reinforced with 38 firefighters and 16 vehicles from Serbia. A total of 5 aircraft and 2 helicopters have been deployed for periodic operations from the air.
In Rhodes, at this moment, strong ground forces are working to contain the front that has developed in an area with difficult access between the settlements of Vati, Profylia and the Tharri Monastery. So far, this front does not threaten inhabited areas. The remaining rekindlings in the wider area of the fire are being dealt with. Strong ground forces, reinforced this morning with 40 firefighters and 10 vehicles from Romania, are operating. Additionally, periodic aerial operations will be carried out by 6 aircraft and 7 helicopters, 2 of which will be used for coordination.
The rekindlings that have occurred in the northeast of the island of Corfu are currently under control, and strong ground forces continue to operate while 3 helicopters are deployed for aerial firefighting.
Rekindlings are also being addressed by strong ground forces on the northeastern side of Karystos, Evia, between the settlements of Agios Vasilios and Linari. Two helicopters have been assigned for aerial firefighting in this area as well.
The rekindlings that have occurred in the northeast of Achaias and in the broader area of Lamia are currently under control.
In Domokos and Tithorea, Fthiotida, the fires that broke out yesterday in agricultural and forested areas have been contained.
Since July 17, 74 firefighters have suffered from heatstroke, injuries or burns.
Today, Thursday, the fire risk remains extremely high in several areas of Greece.
We remain in a state of alert.
We kindly ask all citizens, in case of a fire, for their own safety, to follow the instructions of the competent authorities.
