The fire department has been alerted to a fire that broke out shortly after 3:30 p.m. Wednesday in the Lachi area of Laconia.

According to the fire brigade, the fire is burning low vegetation, while 22 firefighters with a hiking team of the 9th EMODE, seven vehicles, two aircraft and a helicopter are operating at the scene.

Residents and visitors in the area received an evacuation alert via the 112 emergency service at 16:40. Specifically, those in the Paleokastro area were instructed to evacuate toward Neapoli.