Large fire rages near Kinetta – Live streaming (photos-videos)

Strong winds make it difficult for large firefighting unit to control flames

UPD: Greek authorities are urging residents to evacuate the Maroula settlement, which is under threat from fire front, as flames have already reached many yards.

Large plumes of smoke have spread to Western Attica, while the flames are near the settlements of Galini and Maroula, with fears of the blaze spreading to Alepochori.

“We ask citizens to move away. The fire has entered into yards in the settlement of Maroula from the upper side of the highway”, said the representative of the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, Spyros Georgiou on Thema FM 104.6.

A large forest fire has broken out in the region of Aeras in the wider area of Kinetta on the borders between Corinth and western Attica.

A large unit of 30 vehicles and 70 firefighters have mobilised in the pine forest to battle the flames, but strong winds are stifling their efforts. Two helicopters and three aircraft have also been called in to aid in the operation. More specifically, there are two new CL-415 and CL-215 Canadairs and two helicopters. Meanwhile, two more CL-415 Canadairs are on their way from Thessaloniki to assist in extinguishing the fire.

So far no residential areas are under immediate threat, but the fire is heading toward the mountain.