The preparedness of the response mechanism was evident, with multiple meetings having already taken place at the Ministry of Civil Protection. Many regions across the country, including Attica, were already on red alert. However, the worsening situation yesterday afternoon and evening prompted Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis to cut short his vacation in Chania and return hastily to Maximos Mansion.

From the outset, Mr. Mitsotakis was in constant communication with his associates and the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, who was coordinating firefighting efforts and spent the night at the Civil Protection headquarters.

This morning, Mr. Mitsotakis will be holding meetings at Maximos Mansion, with Government Spokesman Pavlos Marinakis and Deputy Minister to the Prime Minister Giorgos Mylonakis also in attendance, as they have been “mobilized” for the crisis. The responsibility for updates from Maximos Mansion was handled by Crisis Management Director Giorgos Efthymiou.

Government and Civil Protection officials believe that the mobilization of aerial firefighting resources from the early hours of the morning will be crucial for the development of the fire front. This is seen as the most significant test faced by the state apparatus this summer. According to officials, all provisions of the new operational doctrine were activated from the start, with a large-scale mobilization of both aerial and ground forces. However, the conditions caused by strong winds led the situation to spiral out of control.

The first light of day will reveal the extent of the destruction, as reports of damage to homes remain unclear. Last night, there was already significant mobilization, with coordination between Maximos Mansion, Civil Protection, ministries, and local authorities to open spaces like those at OAKA (Athens Olympic Stadium) to accommodate people evacuating their homes, while provisions were also made for pets.