Keratea residents outraged: “We’re burning for the 5th time, we’ll be here all night putting out flare-ups”

“The fire has passed through here 5 times in the last 20 years. We thank the volunteers—without them we would have all burned,” a Keratea resident told OPEN.

“We’ve asked the forestry department 5 times to let us clear the small forest—ourselves—and nothing. The forestry department has left us at the mercy of the flames. We’re burning for the 5th time… We’ll be here all night putting out hotspots so there are no flare-ups,” he continued.

Video: Residents and Fire Department forces battle the blaze in Palaia Fokaia

One elderly person dead from the fire in Keratea
A person was found dead a short while ago in the fire raging in Keratea, inside a brick building in the Togani area, where he lived.

According to initial information, he was a resident who did not manage to evacuate in time. His relatives searched for him, and eventually his body was found.

The location where he was found:

Video: Woman escorted by police officer evacuates from the fire in Keratea
Police forces are fully deployed in the area affected by the ongoing wildfire in Keratea, where so far they have intervened to evacuate 10 residents who had refused to leave their homes.

In the area, 136 police officers are operating with vehicles and motorcycles, tasked with removing residents to ensure their safety.

A video shows the moment when a woman, accompanied by a police officer carrying a suitcase, is being led away from the burning area.

Battle against the flames in Keratea wildfire – Aerial resources reinforced

Firefighting forces continue to battle the blaze that broke out today at midday in low vegetation in Keratea.

According to the Fire Service, damage to homes has been reported; however, a final assessment will be made once extinguishing operations are complete.

Aerial firefighting resources have been further reinforced, with 11 aircraft and 13 helicopters deployed, two of which are coordinating operations.

Strong ground forces remain active, consisting of 190 firefighters, seven ground teams from the 1st EMODE, 44 vehicles, numerous volunteers, and volunteer-operated vehicles. The Mobile Operations Center “Olympos” has also been deployed for coordination.

Heavy machinery and water tankers from the Attica Region are assisting.

The fire broke out around 14:00 in low vegetation in Manoutso, Keratea, and moved southward through farmland, forested areas, and residential settlements, where homes have been consumed by the flames.

Very strong winds are blowing in the area, while successive emergency alerts (112) have been sent to residents, instructing them to evacuate.

Specifically, the areas of Drosia, Charvalo, Maliasteka, Agiasma, Dimolaki, and Synterina have been evacuated. A new alert was recently issued, instructing those in the ATE area of the Municipality of Saronikos to leave via Karamanli and Vryoulon Avenues toward Palaia Fokaia.

The message reads: “Forest fire in the ATE area of the Municipality of Saronikos, in the Regional Unit of East Attica. If you are in the area, evacuate via Karamanli and Vryoulon Avenues toward Palaia Fokaia.”

In these areas, traffic police are implementing traffic control measures, while the Keratea–Anavyssos provincial road remains closed.

Fire in Kefalonia subsides
The fire that broke out on Friday morning in a rural forested area in the Karavados region of Kefalonia is now subsiding.

Forty firefighters, three ground teams, 12 vehicles, and volunteers rushed to the scene, while seven firefighting aircraft and three helicopters operated from the air.

Earlier, an emergency alert (“112”) was issued, calling on those in Karavados, Dorizata, and Kerameies to evacuate toward Argostoli.

08/08/2025 – 17:25
“Arsonists should face heavy sentences,” says Keratea resident
A resident of Keratea described his desperate effort to protect his property and family from the large fire raging in the area, while also calling for harsher penalties for arsonists.

He explained that he had taken preventive measures by clearing the area around his plot with the help of a bulldozer:
“Around the house, I brought in a bulldozer and cleared the area. When the fire started, I was here, and I sent my granddaughter and wife away,” he said, stressing that every summer the region suffers similar incidents.

He urged tougher sentences for arsonists:
“Every year it’s the same story. Arsonists must be tried with heavy sentences and not coddled and released,” he told Open TV.

Keratea residents join the firefighting battle – See photos

Uncontrolled fire in Keratea – Homes burning, resident rescues, and area evacuations

• The large fire that broke out on Friday midday in Keratea is burning out of control, with flames destroying homes. Authorities have rescued at least 10 residents.
• A barrage of 112 emergency alerts has been sent regarding the Keratea fire. Residents in Maliasteka, Agiasma, Charvalos, Drosia, and Dimolaki were instructed to evacuate toward Anavyssos, while those in Sinterina were told to move toward Lavrio.
• Strong firefighting forces are battling the blaze. On site are 190 firefighters, 7 ground teams from the 1st Special Disaster Response Unit (EMODE), and 44 fire engines. From the air, 11 airplanes and 7 helicopters are operating, while strong winds are blowing in the area.
• Due to the fire, traffic has been suspended on the Keratea–Anavyssos provincial road.
• “Those near the fire should leave their homes,” said Lavreotiki Deputy Mayor Thanasis Makrodimitris, urging residents to evacuate safely.
• Extreme fire danger today in Attica, Kythira, Corinthia, Argolida, Boeotia, Evia, and Laconia.

Map: Extreme fire risk today in Attica, Kythira, Corinthia, Argolida, Boeotia, Evia, and Laconia
The state mechanism is on high alert, as today there is an extreme fire risk (risk category 5) in Attica, Kythira, Corinthia, Argolida, and parts of Boeotia, Evia, and Laconia.

According to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, there is also a very high (risk category 4) and high (risk category 3) fire risk for many regions of mainland Greece.

08/08/2025 – 15:42
Deputy Mayor of Lavreotiki: “Those close to the fire should leave their homes”
The fire in Keratea, which broke out on Friday midday, is still raging.

At the same time, the Deputy Mayor of Lavreotiki, Thanasis Makrodimitris, urges residents to leave the area safely.

“Those close to the fire should leave their homes,” he said, speaking to ERT.

Earlier, a 112 alert was sent to residents of Drosia and Charvalo to evacuate towards Anavyssos. The message read: “If you are in the areas of #Drosia, move away towards #Anavyssos. Follow the instructions of the authorities.”

08/08/2025 – 15:40
Laganas Zakynthos fire without active front – watch video
The fire that broke out on Friday midday in the Laganas area of Zakynthos has no active front.

Fire service units were mobilized to extinguish it.