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> Greece

Fire in Xylokastro: Nearly 50,000 acres of forest have been reduced to ashes

Aerial firefighting units have been reinforced, but strong winds are blowing. More than 400 firefighters and forest commandos are on the scene

Newsroom October 1 02:43

Forest commandos have joined the battle against the large fire in Corinthia, which has spread significantly. According to an initial assessment by Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias, between 40,000 and 50,000 acres (16,000 to 20,000 hectares) have been burned.

Watch video of the forest commandos battling the flames:

In recent hours, the fire that broke out on Sunday afternoon in forested areas near Xylokastro has reached the northern part of Trikala in Corinthia. Firefighters are battling many scattered fire fronts, with forest commandos providing critical assistance.

By Tuesday afternoon, aerial firefighting units were increased to 23 (13 helicopters and 10 planes). On the ground, 406 firefighters, 16 walking teams, and 132 vehicles are actively engaged in the firefighting effort.

The fire front has reached a length of 32 kilometers (20 miles), with flames approaching close to the Patras-Corinth National Road, causing traffic to be halted.

Photos:

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Earlier in the morning, at 7:20 AM, a message was sent via 112 to residents of the Sofiana area in Xylokastro, advising them to evacuate and head towards Rethi. The message specifically said: “Forest fire in the Sofiana area. If you are in Sofiana, evacuate towards Rethi. Follow the authorities’ instructions.”

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The fire perimeter reached 32 kilometers, and yesterday the flames came near the Patras-Corinth National Highway, causing the road to be temporarily closed.

However, just after 8:00 AM today, vehicle traffic was restored on the Corinth-Patras highway, from the Lykomoria area to Derveni. Traffic is now flowing normally in both directions.

It is noted that Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias visited the Rosena area in Corinthia and the fire zone yesterday. He conducted a coordination meeting at the Mobile Operations Center “Olympus” with representatives from the fire department, security forces, armed forces, local government, and all involved agencies.

The fire that started on Sunday in the Rosena area has claimed the lives of two men, aged 35 and 40, and has left behind burned forests, crops, and infrastructure.

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