Wildfires are out of control in Achaia, Preveza, Chios and Zakynthos on Wednesday, as dozens of fire fronts are raging across Greece and thousands of residents evacuated their homes since yesterday.
According to the Fire Service, more than 150 wildfires fires broke out in Greece in the last 48 hours.
Wildfores fronts are still blazing in Achaia, Preveza, Chios and Zakynthos, Fire Service spokesperson Vasilis Vathrakogiannis said on Wednesday morning.
Fifteen fire fighters were injured and some had to be taken to hospital while fighting fires in Achaia, Etoloakarnania, Preveza and Chios.
the spokesman said.
33 firefighting aircraft and helicopters have been operating since early on Wednesday, which is expected to be a very difficult day with a very high fire risk in most regions of the country.
All fire services are on alert at the orders of the Fire Corps chief, as well as all civil protection services, he added.
In an update on the state of the fire fronts throughout Greece, Varthakogiannis said that the fire front in Megara, Attica and in Stamna, Messologhi were under control, while that in Zitsa, Ioannina did not have an active front.
Achaia – Patras
In Syhena, Achaia, there was some improvement but strong winds continued to blow in the area. The fire front in Kato Achaia and in the Industrial Park (VIPE) of Patras were still burning uncontrolled, while seven firefighting aircraft and five helicopters had joined the operation there.
Speaking to cnngreece, Deputy Mayor of Culture, Planning and Municipal Property, Apostolis Angelis, emphasized that the fire that is burning for a second day has “embraced” the city of Patras and warned that the flames were approaching the University and the University Hospital.
“The situation is tragic” he said characteristically, noting that despite efforts to extinguish the fire throughout the night, the front rages uncontrollably.
He complained of few aerial mean deployed to combat the blaze and added that after a request by the municipal, three Canadair and one helicopter were deployed and are operating. He stressed that the reinforcement of aerial means is imperative for extinguishing the fire, as ground forces cannot deal with flames that reach 10 to 20 meters.
According to local media thebest.gr, one breeder is missing in Achaia. the man went to rescue his flock when the fire broke out and there is no contact with him.
The fire front in western Achaia extends to over 20 km.
Services on the ‘Proastiakos’ Suburban Railway between Vrachneika and Kaminia were suspended until further notice on Wednesday, by order of the Fire Service, while also bus routes between Kato Achaia and Kaminia were also suspended until further notice.
Preveza – Epirus
The wildfire in Gymnotopos, Philippiada, in Preveza had split into two fronts, while strong winds up to 8 on the Beaufort scale were blowing in the area.
The first front was moving towards the villages Rizovouni and Romia and the second front towards the villages Dryofito and Pantanassa, with both fronts heading towards the town of Philippiada.
A tied horse has been located in Philipiada: the body of the poor animal has suffered burn injuries allover, up to the eyes and the ears. There has been appeal on social media to remove it from there and have it undergo treatment. What a shame to leave behind animals tied up!
The flames leave behind only destruction: Burnt houses, olive groves and crops reduced to ashes, dead animals and extensive damage to the electricity grid.
Authorities have launched an urgent arson investigation.
Wednesday noon, a state of emergency was declared in the municipality of Ziros in Preveza at the request of Ziros Mayor.
The situation in the vicinity of Filippiada remains difficult, as two fire fronts in progress in addition to scattered blazes. A message from the 112 emergency number arrived in Gymnotopos on Wednesday afternoon, instructing people to evacuate toward Filippiada. This was the third time that the fire has threatened the village since Tuesday.
Chios island
The wildfire in the north of the island of Chios also had two fronts, while strong winds up to 6 on the Beaufort scale were blowing in the area.
The first front was moving towards the villages Pirama and Parparia and the second was near the village Perdika, moving towards the villages Sidirounda, Diefha and Halandra.
Five fire-fighing helicopters were operating in the area.
Video: Volissos
Volissos locals complained “they left us burn without water, without electricity, without shame!” via politischios.gr
Zakynthos island
The wildfire on the island of Zakynthos is still raging, with a front towards the village Lithakia, while the conditions in the village Keri were improving.
Fire destruction in Agalas – via imerazante.gr
There is a big rekindling of the wildfire on Zante, state ERT reported at 3:45 p.m.
Injured firefighters
Ambulances transported three firefighters in Achaia to hospital with symptoms of heatstroke, one firefighter in Etoloakarnania with an upper limb injury, and one in Philippiada with burns, the Fire Service spokesman said.
Exhausted firefighters take a short break after endless hours and efforts to combat the blaze on Chios.
On the island of Chios, meanwhile, first aid was given in the field to 10 firefighters and two volunteers, he added.
More on wildfires in Greece HERE on KTG
