Greek authorities have ordered the evacuation order of area in the municipality of Ano Voula shortly after 4 pm, after a large fire spread to Ano Glyfada, on the border with Ymittos, in the Pournari area.

The conditions in the area are suffocating, while according to eyewitness accounts, there are people in the mountain who do not know what to do. So far there are reports that houses are burning. The fire reportedly started from a high voltage station of the Independent Power Transmission Operator (IPTO).

Shortly after 16:20, a message was sent to the residents of the area from 112. “If you are in Ano Voula, evacuate now to Alsou Square, Ano Voula. Forest fire in the upper Voula” the message read drafted by the Ministry of Climate Change and Civil Protection.

Conditions in the area are difficult due to very strong winds.

The Fire Brigade announced the further strengthening of the fire-fighting forces. A total of 72 firefighters are operating with 3 groups of foot units and 20 vehicles. From the air, 6 aircraft, 3 helicopters as well as 1 helicopter for air coordination operate periodically. An army helicopter was also mobilized, with the assistance of volunteer firefighters and water tankers from the local authorities.

According to the Fire Department, strong winds are still blowing, which is a cause for concern for firefighters, despite the fact that there is no forest in the area and only dry grass and low vegetation are burning.

Traffic Police in Ano Glyfada has started to divert traffic, due to the fire that is in progress near the Pournari area.