The Greek Fire Service is fighting a wildfire that began in Keratea in the Athens area a little before noon on Sunday with strong winds fanning flames to all directions.
According to information from Civil Protection, the wildfire has spread to four different fronts. Strong ground forces of over over 140 firefighters are operating on all four outbreaks with continuous air drops from 17 helicopters on each outbreak.
The fire services are facing great difficulties in battling forest fires in the Athens area due to strong winds, with gusts of over 9 Beaufort, while there are scattered houses with vegetation around them and plots of land full of dry grass and tree branches that feed the flames. So far, Civil Protection has safely evacuated six settlements.
The Greek Fire Service forces are supported by men and vehicles of the Hellenic Police, which evacuate the settlements, municipal authorities, and the army. The army provides construction vehicles and machinery. The police have rescued 52 people.
According to the Hellenic Police (ELAS), officers are operating alongside fire fighters in the area of Keratea where the fire is raging, while at the same time, other men have proceeded with the evacuation of dozens of houses.
In the area of Keratea, in particular, six OPKE teams, eight DIAS teams, five traffic patrol cars, two security patrol cars, six regular patrol cars, and three more patrol cars from neighboring police departments are participating in the operations.
“It is a very difficult situation”
The Mayor of Lavreotiki, Dimitris Loukas, spoke to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA), describing the spread of the wildfires in Keratea as “a very difficult situation.” The Greek Fire Service has been operating in the area since early in the afternoon.
The mayor spoke about the destruction caused by the fire in the area of Plaka Keratea so far. He also spoke of the efforts being made to limit the fire front and prevent it from advancing towards the forest and Sounion.
“The situation is very difficult, as strong winds continue to blow; they have not stopped and there are many outbreaks,” Loukas told AMNA. “We are fighting a big battle. Houses have been burned, that’s for sure, but all forces, ground and air, are working and great effort is being made to stop the fire and prevent it from spreading to the forest. The wind is very strong and constantly creates outbreaks.”
The local government of Lavreotiki emphasized that the former Keratea air base “has escaped and is not in danger.”
Another forest fire in the Athens suburb of Stamata
Meanwhile, a dangerous forest fire that broke out after 4:00 pm is in progress in the northern suburb of Stamata. The fire is burning in a forested area and is close to homes. The Greek Fire Service is in operation.
Twenty-two firefighters are on the spot with one pedestrian unit and seven vehicles operating on the ground. Six firefighting airplanes and three helicopters are operating from the air.
Civil Protection has sent a 112 warning message to all area residents, calling them to be on alert.