At least 62 animals have been gathered so far, according to the latest count from Dogs’ Voice, which has been working non-stop since yesterday afternoon.

Of these, 46 companion animals were sheltered at the temporary station set up at the new Vilia football ground, while another nine were taken to a municipal facility. In addition, seven farm animals were rescued – specifically two geese and five hens.

The temporary station was created in partnership with the Municipality of Mandra-Eidyllia and the animal welfare association “Stray Souls of Mandra”, serving as the reception centre for animals evacuated from the areas affected by wildfires.

Many animals are running in panic, and flare-ups are hampering the effort

The situation on the ground remains extremely difficult, however. According to Dogs’ Voice, several animals kept running in panic through the flames and smoke, and could not be rescued, as continuous flare-ups and the danger posed by the fire front forced rescue teams and fire crews to withdraw from certain areas for safety reasons.

The temporary station in Vilia continues to operate at heightened readiness. According to the latest information, it is currently sheltering both confirmed strays and owned pets that were evacuated as a precaution from areas under threat from the fire.

The animals remain protected, in the shade and under constant care, and will stay there for at least the next two days while identification procedures are completed, so they can be reunited with their owners or rehomed where possible.

The National Animal Protection Mechanism for Natural Disasters remains activated, with operational coordination through ESKEDIK and under the supervision of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals. Volunteers, animal welfare associations, private individuals, animal transport vehicles and partner organisations are also taking part in the operation, supporting the ongoing evacuations.

Particular credit was given, according to Dogs’ Voice, to Deputy Mayor Dimitris Pagonis, the Anibus team who took charge of housing the farm animals as well as dogs and a cat, EL MOTO-AUTO, which provided lorries for transport, and dozens of volunteers and local residents.

Despite the rescues so far, the situation is far from over. The fire is still classed as extremely dangerous, and the Vilia station remains on standby, as it may yet need to take in more animals from areas that could come under threat in the coming hours. Until the fire front is brought fully under control, rescue operations will continue wherever conditions allow.