An overnight battle with flames is being fought by ground firefighters in Evia, with the extinguishing work being hampered by strong winds blowing in the area.

In the afternoon hours the fire brigade continuously increased its forces to the point that the air assets, now withdrawn, reached 26, while the Civil Protection was in heightened mobilization sending five successive 112 reminders signaling the evacuation of settlements.

Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias has also rushed to the area, with anxiety for residents peaking. However, according to the spokesman of the Fire Department, the main front of the fire is located inside the triangle formed by the settlements of Petries, Krieza and Alonia.

“All Civil Protection forces are fighting a real battle to contain the fire in Evia. We are in the heart of the fire season and the conditions in the next period, according to experts, will be more difficult. Great attention from all of us. Anything new will be followed by the next update”, said Vassilis Vathrakogiannis.

As it was reported earlier, a firefighter was injured and was taken to the Aliveri Health Center, while the fire has been burning for hours since about 3:00 p.m.

A new message via 112 was sent to the residents of Koskina area urging them to move away towards Zarakes. According to information from the Fire Department, the new message was issued around 20:15 as several residents returned back to Koskina village.

Specifically the message reads: “If you are in the Koskina area, turn away towards Zarakes via the Karystos provincial road.”

According to the latest update from the Fire Department, the ground forces consist of 189 firefighters and 96 vehicles.

“The gusts of strong winds now determine the course and intensity of the fire in Evia,” Deputy Regional Governor of Evia George Kelaiditis noted earlier, considering that “it is too early yet for any assessment” in relation to the course of the fire.

As he notes “the eastern front seems to be more dangerous and there all forces are giving their battle”, while as he notes “on the other front to Dysto recently there is a stability but remains absolutely critical”.

Strong winds created another front earlier in the day heading towards the Dystos plain.

Firefighters tried to stop it along the highway, but the fire moved through and developed a large front into the Dystos plain. The other front of the fire moved rapidly from Petries to Krieza.

Civil Protection messages

Shortly before 15:30 a message was sent from 112 to the residents of the area about the fire which reads, “remain alert and follow the instructions of the authorities.”

A few minutes later, they were called to evacuate from Petrie to Holy Apostles.

A fourth 112 message was then sent for removal from the Krieza area to Velos.

⚠️ Enable 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣

?#Euboea

? Forest fire in your area

? If you are in the area #Krieza move away towards #Velos

‼️ Follow the instructions of the authorities

ℹ️ https://t.co/kexUnloeCt@pyrosvestiki @hellenicpolice

– 112 Greece (@112Greece) July 29, 2024

The winds blowing area are north strong with gusts of 7 Beaufort. Earlier, a fireboat was dispatched from Piraeus to the area. The Coast Guard, forces of EL.AS (Greek Police) were informed of similar actions. and have been deployed in the area to facilitate the evacuation of residents.

By boat from Agia Marina, 53 firefighters with 4 teams of hiking teams and 10 vehicles have been dispatched. The coordination of all forces is carried out by the Mobile Operational Center OLYMPOS. The dimensions of the fire are such that the smoke is visible even from the port of Rafina.