Firefighting operations against the major wildfire in southern Rethymno began once again today without aerial support, as strong winds continue to prevent firefighting aircraft from taking off. According to information provided by the Fire Service’s Coordination Center to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), the overall situation has improved compared with yesterday, although crews are still battling persistent flare-ups.

Strong ground firefighting forces remain deployed throughout the affected area, working continuously to contain hotspots that continue to reignite because of the strong winds.

The most serious problems are being reported in the areas of Krya Vrysi and Asomatos, where firefighters are concentrating their efforts to prevent the fire from spreading further.

The Coordination Centre stressed that, despite the improved conditions compared with yesterday, the operation remains fully underway and firefighting forces will stay on heightened alert until every active fire front has been brought completely under control.

Strong Firefighting Force Deployed to Xironomi, Boeotia

A wildfire broke out on Friday morning in agricultural and forest land near Xironomi, Boeotia, prompting an immediate response from the Fire Service.

A total of 49 firefighters, supported by three ground crews, 15 fire engines, and two helicopters, are currently battling the blaze. Heavy machinery and municipal water tankers are also assisting in the firefighting operation.

Access to forest areas in Halkidiki will be prohibited today, Friday, July 31, because of the high risk of wildfires (Fire Risk Index 3).

According to an announcement by the Halkidiki Regional Unit, the restriction will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the following areas:

• Municipality of Kassandra: Kassandra Peninsula – the “Ridgeline” (from Kassandrino to Agia Paraskevi), “Arapis,” and “Chalkovouni” in the Paliouri local community.
• Municipality of Sithonia: Sithonia Peninsula – Dragoundeli Ridgeline, from the Beekeepers’ Cooperative to Sykia.
• Municipality of Aristotelis: Komitsa to Ouranoupoli, Tsamia Stratoni, Fysoka, and the Stratoni shooting range.

Firefighters Battle Flames in Rethymno, Concern Focuses on Agia Paraskevi Front

The major wildfire in southern Rethymno remains out of control, with a large force from the Hellenic Fire Service continuing firefighting operations.

According to information provided by the Fire Service’s Coordination Centre to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), the nature of the fire, strong winds, and the area’s terrain and topography are making suppression efforts extremely difficult.

Krya Vrysi, the southern parts of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios in Rethymno, and the Preveli area remain active hotspots, with firefighting teams deployed from across Crete. Ground crews and EMODE (Special Forest Firefighting Units) operating on the various fronts have been reinforced by mobile units from mainland Greece and are attempting to halt the spread of the fire despite strong winds.

Local residents and volunteers are also assisting with firefighting efforts, while water tankers from the municipalities of Agios Vasileios, Amari, Rethymno, and southern municipalities of Heraklion, together with heavy machinery, are supporting the men and women of the Fire Service.

Firefighters worked throughout the night to contain the fire fronts and prevent further spread, focusing particularly on the Agia Paraskevi front to stop the flames from reaching homes in the village until aerial firefighting aircraft were able to resume operations.

Patras: Traffic Restrictions in Force Today Due to High Wildfire Risk

Because of the very high wildfire danger in the region today, Friday, July 31 (Fire Risk Category 4), the Independent Civil Protection Department has urged residents to remain vigilant and announced the following measures:

As a preventive measure, the circulation of vehicles and the presence of visitors will be prohibited from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on forest roads in the following areas:

• Kallithea Local Community: from the sports field upwards and from the reservoir upwards.
• Dasyllio pine forest in the Municipality of Patras and the pine forest in the Geriokomeio area.
• Kefalovryso pine forest in Krini (forest road network and firebreaks).
• Road from Agios Konstantinos to the Holy Monastery of Omblos (Krini).
• Karkalos Forest in Ano Kastritsi, including the areas of Mochlos, Charadros, Paschalianoi, Agia Paraskevi, Sofaina Bridge, and Mochlos.
• From the Platani Equestrian Club to Ano Kastritsi.
• Drepano – Agios Georgios – Anemodouri (Kaimaki).
• Momas Third Peri-Urban Forest in the Municipality of Patras.
• The mountainous zone of Zastova – Kokkinovrysi – Bala Fire Watchtower.

The restrictions do not apply to permanent residents, employees, landowners, livestock farmers, or those travelling on national, provincial, or paved municipal roads.

Firefighting Forces Reinforced in Achaia, Seven Aircraft Deployed

Firefighting forces battling the wildfire in the Floka area of Achaia have been reinforced.

A total of 114 firefighters, supported by five ground teams, 27 fire engines, four firefighting aircraft, and three helicopters, are currently operating at the scene. Municipal water tankers and heavy machinery are also assisting in the operation.

Wildfire Breaks Out in Falaisia, Megalopolis, Arcadia

A wildfire has broken out in forestland in the Falaisia area of Megalopolis, Arcadia.

According to the Fire Service, the blaze started at approximately 11:10 p.m., and firefighting operations involve 48 firefighters, three ground teams from the 9th EMODE unit, and 12 fire engines.

Water tankers from the Municipality of Megalopolis are also assisting in the effort.