New Traffic Restrictions

Due to the wildfire, the following traffic diversions are in effect:

• On Souniou Avenue, from the junction with Lavriou Avenue, in the direction of Agios Stylianos.
• On Eleftheriou Venizelou Street, from the junction with Agiou Georgiou Street.

Firefighting Forces Further Reinforced, Nine Aircraft Now Deployed

A total of 197 firefighters are now operating on the wildfire front, supported by seven ground teams from the 1st and 8th EMODE forest firefighting units, volunteers and 42 fire engines. The force includes 23 firefighters with four fire engines from France and 24 firefighters with five fire engines from Romania, who are currently in Greece as part of the European firefighters pre-positioning programme.

For aerial firefighting operations, two fixed-wing aircraft and seven helicopters have been deployed, one of which is being used for aerial coordination.

Water tankers from local authorities are also assisting the operation.

Announcement from Saronikos Municipality

Saronikos Municipality has republished the 112 emergency alert concerning the Agios Stylianos area.

“Anyone in the area should evacuate towards Kalyvia. Continuous updates will be provided,” the municipality said in a post on Facebook.

Aerial Firefighting Assets in Operation

Two fixed-wing aircraft and four helicopters have been deployed for aerial firefighting, one of which is being used to coordinate the operation.

Flames Reach Perimeter Wall of Home in Kouvaras

Footage broadcast by ERT showed the flames earlier reaching the perimeter wall of a house in Kouvaras, although fortunately no damage was caused to the property.

The house is located some distance from the settlement. However, there are scattered homes throughout the wider area, increasing concern as the wildfire front is advancing close to residential locations.

Challenging Weather Conditions

Fire weather conditions at the scene are particularly severe, making firefighting efforts more difficult, as high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds are fuelling the spread of the blaze.

Continuous Drone Surveillance at the National Operations Centre

Throughout the incident, the National Coordination Centre for Operations and Crisis Management has been receiving continuous live imagery from a drone using both thermal and optical cameras.

The Eastern Attica Arson Crime Investigation Unit has also been deployed to investigate the cause of the fire.

Major Fire Service Mobilisation

A total of 172 firefighters are involved in efforts to contain the wildfire, supported by four ground teams from the 1st and 8th EMODE forest firefighting units, volunteers and 41 fire engines. The operation includes 23 firefighters with four fire engines from France and 24 firefighters with five fire engines from Romania, who are in Greece as part of the European firefighters pre-positioning programme.

Two fixed-wing aircraft and four helicopters have also been deployed for aerial firefighting, one of which is coordinating the operation.

Traffic Measures Introduced by Police

Due to the wildfire, traffic has been suspended on Lavriou Avenue from its junction with Agiou Stylianou Street in the direction of Markopoulo.

Two 112 Emergency Alerts Issued, Including an Evacuation Order

Shortly after 8:00am, a 112 emergency alert was issued, urging residents to remain on standby. A short time later, a second alert was sent instructing everyone in the Agios Stylianos area to evacuate towards Kalyvia.

According to the Fire Service, the blaze is burning low vegetation in the Agios Stylianos area near a residential settlement.