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Order for the precautionary evacuation of Kato Achaia – Factories and workshops burning in the Industrial Area – Large fires in Preveza, Zakynthos, Arta & Vonitsa (videos-photos) (Update)

The fires in Kefalonia and Vonitsa broke out during the night – Continuous alerts from 112 – Water drops by a total of 11 aircraft

Newsroom August 12 08:13

UPDATE:

– Most of the fires are burning in forested areas – Strong winds are making firefighting efforts difficult.

– Continuous evacuation messages from the 112 emergency service in Achaia, Zakynthos, Chios, Preveza, Arta, Aetolia-Acarnania, and Volvi.

– In Achaia, the fire is now raging on three fronts, with the flames having entered the industrial zone (VIPE), burning workshops and factories. Evacuation orders have been issued for Kato Achaia, Vrachneika, and another 25 areas. Three burn victims have been taken to the hospital, while there is damage to houses and businesses. The Patras–Pyrgos road has been closed between the Ovrya and Kato Achaia junctions.

– The situation on Chios is also difficult, with the fire burning on three fronts in Volissos, Pispilounta, and Potamia. The Coast Guard has evacuated people trapped on the beaches of Limnia and Agia Markella.

– In Aetolia-Acarnania, there are large fire fronts in Vonitsa and Stamna, while fires in Arta and Preveza remain active.

– On Zakynthos, the fire is burning out of control in Lithakia, Agalas, and Koiliomenos. There has been damage to houses in Agalas, as the fire passed through the village.

– The fire that has been burning since yesterday in Volvi has reignited, with the 112 sending an evacuation message to Vaiokhori.

– Greece has requested assistance from the European Civil Protection Mechanism for four aircraft. Today, 63 fires broke out, while in total, the fire service is dealing with 106 active fronts.

———————————————————————————————————–

UPDATE: Firefighting forces are battling four major wildfire fronts across Greece this Tuesday morning, two of which broke out overnight. One blaze is burning low vegetation near Faraklata, Kefalonia; another is in forestland at Paliampela, Vonitsa; a third is in Koiliomenos, Zakynthos; and the fourth in Dafnos, Fokida.

Evacuations and Emergency Alerts
Evacuation orders have already been issued for three villages in Kefalonia, while residents in Vonitsa have received alerts from the 112 emergency service to be on standby. With the first light of day, 11 firefighting aircraft and helicopters were deployed—one in Kefalonia, seven in Vonitsa, and two planes plus one helicopter in Zakynthos.

Kefalonia Blaze
In Kefalonia, 27 firefighters, one ground team, and 10 vehicles have been sent to Faraklata. While homes are not currently at risk, several areas are without power.
The 112 alert warned:

“Forest fire in the Lagada Argostoli area, Kefalonia. If you are in Faraklata, Dilinata, or Davgata, evacuate toward Myrtos. Follow instructions from authorities.”
Municipal water tankers are also assisting in the firefighting efforts.

Dafnos, Fokida
In Dafnos, a forest fire is being fought by 30 firefighters, one ground team, and eight vehicles, with two planes and one helicopter providing aerial support.

Vonitsa – Paliampela Front
In the early hours of Tuesday, a wildfire broke out in the forest area of Paliampela, Vonitsa. At around 7 a.m., residents of the village of Varko were ordered to evacuate toward Paliampela. Soon after, another alert went to residents of Vonitsa itself.
Currently, 21 firefighters, one ground team from the 5th Special Unit for Disaster Response (EMODE), and seven vehicles are working the area.

Zakynthos – Koiliomenos Fire
In Zakynthos, flames erupted just after 7 a.m. in Koiliomenos, a forested area. Twenty firefighters with nine vehicles are battling the blaze, which is moving toward the village of Agalas. For now, no homes are in immediate danger.

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Other Wildfires Across Greece

  • Evinochori, Aetolia-Acarnania: The situation has improved, but firefighters are working to prevent the flames—burning trees and reeds near the Evinos River—from spreading to olive groves and crops. Mayor Spyros Diamantopoulos described the situation as “difficult” with two active fronts.
  • Kimmeria, Xanthi: A forest fire broke out just before 11 p.m. Monday above the village mosque. It has since been brought under control.
  • Kallitechnioupoli, Attica: A forest fire broke out Monday afternoon but was soon downgraded. Over 130 firefighters, seven ground teams, and aerial units responded.
  • Skotini, Argolida: Fire in low vegetation has been partially contained.
  • Volvi, Thessaloniki: No active fronts remain after residents of Vaiokhori were ordered to evacuate earlier.
  • Ancient Nemea: Fire contained after evacuation alerts sent to residents.
  • Petralona, Messinia: A midday blaze threatened homes, prompting evacuations toward Meligalas. It is now subsiding.
  • Fraxia, Vonitsa: A Monday afternoon fire in farmland and forest is now largely under control.

In the past 24 hours alone, Greece has faced 70 wildfires, with 21 of them breaking out between noon and 4 p.m. Monday. Firefighting forces remain on high alert as strong winds and high temperatures continue to fuel dangerous conditions.

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