The big wildfire on the island of Kefalonia is raging also on Sunday morning, burning down thousands of acres and creating a suffocating atmosphere. The strong winds make the work of dozens of firefighters extremely difficult.
Several villages and settlements have been evacuated, among them Kaparandriti, Agia Rini, Markopoulo, Kremmidi, Pastra and Kolaiti.
The Civil Protection texted local to remain on alert all night long.
⚠️ Ενεργοποίηση #112GR στην #Κεφαλονιά❗️
Παραμείνετε σε ετοιμότητα όλο το βράδυ & ακολουθείτε τις οδηγίες των αρχών ‼️
Δασική πυρκαγιά στις περιοχές Πάστρα, Κρεμμύδι, Μαρκόπουλο, Κατελειός & Κάτω Κατελειός@regionofionian pic.twitter.com/An60mB76O4
— 112 Greece (@112Greece) July 3, 2021
According to the regional governor, the fire broke out in Eleios-Pronnon area Saturday noon, when a shepherd set dry greens on fire.
Over 116 firefighters with 32 vehicles are currently operating in the area, also 6 groups on foot with water tankers and aerial means – four aircraft and two helicopters.
και θα επιχειρούν 116 πυροσβέστες με 6 ομάδες πεζοπόρων τμημάτων, 32 οχήματα, 2 E/Π και 1 ακόμη Ε/Π ως συντονιστικό και 4 Α/Φ ( 2 CL, 2 PZL). Συνδρομή από υδροφόρες ΟΤΑ και μηχανήματα έργου.
— Πυροσβεστικό Σώμα (@pyrosvestiki) July 4, 2021
The force of the Fire Brigade will be further strengthened on Sunday, as ten firefighters with five vehicles departed by boat from Kyllini to Kefalonia in the Ionian Sea.
The situation seems a bit better on Sunday morning as the winds reportedly have weakened.
The head of the Fire brigades operating on the island told ERT TV that nobody was injured or harmed.
Forest fires burn down thousands of acres every summer, destory wildlife and put people’s lives in danger. They are mostly set out of negligence or arson.
The Fire Service said that it intervened in 55 forest fires across the country alone on Saturday.
