A large fire is burning in the area of Megara in the west of Attica, while authorities have ordered the evacuation of a small settlement called “Papagianneika”.

Alepochori is under threat as the flames are moving rapidly, while the conditions for the firefighters are extremely difficult due to the high winds.

The fire that broke out at approximately 2:00 p.m. in Megara specifically in the Veniza area, continues to rage out of control and is threatening both Megara and Alepochori. Firefighters are battling to contain the blaze and stop it from spreading. In the village of Zachouli, which was evacuated earlier with a message via 112, damage to houses is reported. The fire has spread to Pefkineas Megaron, as a result of which an alarm has been raised for the houses of the settlement.

At 18:00 in the afternoon, the wind had changed, with the result that the flames moving to an already burnt area in the Geraneia mountains as well as towards Peukeneas, where agricultural lands are located.

Minister of Civil Protection and Climate Crisis Christos Stylianidis will give an update on the fires at 18:30. After Zachouli, the authorities decided to evacuate the settlement of Papagianneika in Megara. The fire is burning forests and agricultural lands. The winds are blowing from the north northwest with an intensity of 6 – 7 Beaufort. The fire is moving towards both Alepochori and Megara.

The firemen are hindered by both the winds and the thick smoke, as a result of which there is no visibility, making it very hard for aerial vehicles to operate.

The fire is spreading south, on the road to Alepochori, while the firefighters are trying to halt its progress towards the houses there. Traffic arrangements have been made at the scene, while police forces are also present, as well as an EKAB ambulance for precautionary reasons.

Shortly after 17:00 in the afternoon, 95 firefighters with three groups of foot units, 34 vehicles, 7 aircraft, and five helicopters, of which one was coordinating, were operating at the scene. The operation is supported by volunteer firefighters, local government, and ELAS.