A fire in Velestino, Magnisia Prefecture, is out of control due to strong winds and is heading toward the city of Volos in the east due to powerful winds, just two hours after it broke out on Wednesday afternoon. Within an hour after it broke out short before 4 p.m. Wednesday, and it has already burned three houses and a livestock unit, state broadcaster ERT reported at 5 p.m.
One firefighter is being transferred to the hospital of Volos after he reportedly suffered 2nd degree burns on the hands, the face and his back.
According to ERT TV:
- The fire is expanding in over 10-15 km.
- There are very strong winds in the area with intensity of 8 Beaufort. the wind is blowing in different directions.
- Residents of Sesklo were ordered to evacuate and many motorists are stuck in traffic jams.
- The fire in spreading in three fronts, one of them heading to the city of Volos.
There are 33 firefighters, one team on foot, 13 engines and 2 water-dropping helicopters.
A flock of sheep is trapped in the flames as the shepherd took them out of the pen to bring them in safety. The shepherd is desperately trying alone to save his animals setting his own life at risk.
People of a horse club nearby are trying to evacuate several animals.
Many resident refuse t evacuate their homes in the broader area, despite the fact that the fire front is moving to the east, toward the industrial zone and the inhabited outskirts of Volos.
ERT reported at 6 p.m. that the fire has reached the industrial zone of Volos.
Spokesman of the Fire Service, Giannis Artopoios announced in an emergency meeting that a message <112> has been sent to residents of Volos to protect themselves from the smoke.
Evacuated locals complain that they don’t know where to go to and have no information.
The evacuation of two more villages and a factory has been ordered.
The animal welfare group of Volos at Larissis street appeals to people trucks and vans to respond in case they have to evacuate the animal shelter.
A thick black smoke has darkened the sky in the area.
News website newsit.gr reported earlier that part of the Athens-Thessaloniki has been closed to traffic as a fire front in the area of Almyros, at the 293rd km of the highway crossed the national highway.
The third front in Argalasti on the Pelio Mt. is reportedly under partial control.
Magisia Prefecture was among the 6 regions at “Extreme Risk of Fires” MAP issued for July 26.
