A shepherd was found dead in his sheepfold following the wildfire in Viotia prefecture, northwest of the Greek capital Athens. The 80-year-old man was reportedly trying to rescue his animals from the flames.
According to first estimations, the shepherd’s death is attributed to inhalation of fire smoke.
The wildfire broke out in the vicinity of Prodromos in village Hostia short before 9 o’ clock Monday morning.
According to local media radiothiva.gr, the fire started in a village house where works were conducted.
Due to powerful winds blowing with 7-8 Beaufort and gusts up to 9 B, the fire spread quickly, and already residents and visitors at Saranti beach were ordered by the Civil Protection to evacuate.
Local media report that many residents refuse to evacuate and that the camping in the area has burned down.
The Fire Brigade has mobilized a force of 52 firefighters, 16 vehicles, two water-dropping planes, and a helicopter to combat the blaze.
The blaze, consuming both agricultural and woodland expanses, is being fueled by powerful winds.
Battling the wildfire is difficult due to the powerful winds, especially hindering the operation of the aerial means.
Viotia is one of the regions for which authorities have issued a warning of “Extreme Fire Risk – State of Alert” for Monday, August 21, 2023.
