All firefighting forces operating in Siviri, Kassandra, where a wildfire broke out on Thursday afternoon, remain on alert and at full readiness.

On Friday morning, according to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, the situation had improved significantly, and continuous water drops were being carried out to extinguish the remaining small fire hotspots, while crews remained on standby in anticipation of a significant strengthening of the winds expected from midday onward.

As Deputy Fire Service spokesperson Giannis Artopios told SKAI TV, the burned area is estimated not to exceed 865 acres, corresponding to approximately 1% of the total area of the Kassandra peninsula.

It is noted that 227 firefighters, 57 vehicles, 13 ground crews, 6 firefighting aircraft, and 1 helicopter are operating in the area.

As Halkidiki Deputy Regional Governor Giannis Koufidis told the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, despite the strong wind gusts, especially around dawn from 5:00 a.m. onward, the firefighting forces managed to contain the blaze and prevent it from spreading.

“The truth is that there was great concern during the night that the fire might get away from us and head toward Fourka. It didn’t,” he said, adding: “I believe it will take time until all the little hotspots are extinguished because there are so many of them, but we’ve gotten past the worst of it.”

At first light, the aerial firefighting assets—Canadair aircraft and helicopters—resumed operations, while the area’s water supply has been maintained and electricity is gradually being restored.

According to the deputy regional governor, once all the fire hotspots have been extinguished, authorities will begin documenting the damage for compensation purposes and repairing damaged infrastructure.

“No more than seven or eight houses appear to have burned, and those were not completely destroyed, along with some cars. However, all of this is still subject to change because the proper damage assessments are only now beginning. The road has not yet reopened. The priority is to extinguish the fire completely, allow HEDNO crews to enter and check for downed power lines so that we don’t have further problems, and then, on the Fire Service’s instructions, the road will be reopened.”

Regarding the area’s water supply, he said:

“There is water because we anticipated the need yesterday and brought in large generators, allowing the pumping stations to continue operating. We have no problem with the water supply. According to the municipality, the flow is very good. As the day progresses and electricity is restored everywhere, the situation will improve even further.”