Five villages were evacuated in eastern Mani during a big wildfire that burned through forestland between Gythio and Areopolis since Saturday noon. The village Vachos, Germa, Drosopigi, Eleochori and Skamnaki were evacuated initially as as precaution due to strong winds.
Later, the flames passed through the village of Drossopogi, reaching the yards of some houses.
More than 100 men with 24 fire trucks are operating in the wider area of Langadia where the fire has now formed two fronts. There are also seven water-dropping aircraft and eight helicopters.
Municipal authorities are also assisting with water tanks.
Inhabitants were notified by the Civil PRotections via sms on mobile phones late on Saturday to remain vigilant all night.
Μοναδικό βίντεο με τα 2 Σικόρσκυ μπροστά από το Λιμένι στην φωτιά μεταξύ Γυθείο και Αρεόπολης #Μάνη #φωτιά #Γύθειο #Αρεόπολη #helicopter #Sikorsky #firefighters pic.twitter.com/InraT7wR3i
— Olive Thyme & Figs (@olivethymefigs) August 23, 2020
Early Sunday afternoon, over 180 firefighters are operating in the area with at least 47 fire trucks. Six water-dropping aircraft and another six helicopters resumed operations at sunrise.
Συνεχίζει η φωτιά και σήμερα #Μάνη #Φωτιά #Λακωνία pic.twitter.com/0gwwIaeXQy
— blz (@blz_ed) August 23, 2020
The blaze was widely under control, however, it was still burning in the area early Sunday afternoon, with the winds blowing with intensity of 4-5 Beaufort.
Thousands of acres have burned down so far, there are not reports about injuries or fatalities.
According to Skai TV, it is the third large wildfire in the area in the last 20 days.
