Attica in flames

Burned homes, businesses and two injured firefighters are the tragic toll of the great fire in Paleia Fokea, which occurred at 12:30pm in Drosia Keratea, near the Sinterina settlement. On the spot are 60 firefighters with 29 vehicles, 15 dismounted personnel, two aircraft and one helicopter which cannot effectively help due to very strong winds that reach even 9 on the Beaufort scale.

In Triantafilliza, an old car lot burned down while in Kamariza houses have caught fire. In Pallini the "Dodoni" factory has caught on fire. For precautionary reasons, the nursing home in Fokea was evacuated, while there are also reports about problems with electricity due to fire. As stated by the mayor of Lavreotiki, Levantis Konstantinos, the fire extends over an area of around 10 km. One major front is headed towards the sea and Palea Fokea, and the other towards Megalo Pefko and then back towards the sea.

At the same time, a fire is in progress in Kato Souli, Marathon. On site are 18 firefighters with 6 vehicles, 3 aircraft and a helicopter.

Fires across the country

Meanwhile, large fires rage in Laconia, Achaia and Halkidiki. In Megali Spilia, Laconia, there are 30 firefighters with 12 vehicles, 8 ground personnel and four aircraft.

Due to strong winds, the fire threatened the Viglafia settlement but firefighters fought it back.

At this time no populated areas are threatened.

Fire brigade forces are operating with a dozen fire vehicles, thewater vehicles of the municipality, local residents and aircraft making continuous water drops.

The fire department and the General Secretariat for Civil Protection warn about a high fire risk (category 4) for Sunday.

Specifically, areas on increased alert for possible fire outbreaks for the next few hours are:

- Central Athens sector, Athens West Sector, Athens North Sector, Athens Southern Division, Eastern Attica, Western Attica, Piraeus and Islands (Attica).

- Lesvos, Chios, Samos and Ikaria (North Aegean Region).

- Boeotia, Fthiotida, Skyros Evia (Greece Central Region).

- Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Syros, Kea-Kythnos, Milos, Naxos, Paros and Santorini (South Aegean).

- Argolida, Corinth, Lakonia (Peloponnese region).

The general secretariat for civil protection and the Citizen protection ministry has informed state agencies and regional bodies, as well as local authorities in these areas, to be at an increased readiness state to directly combat any fire incidents.

Citizens are asked to avoid outdoor activities that can cause a fire through negligence, such as throwing away lit cigarettes, burning dry grass and twigs, using machinery that could cause sparks etc.

In case of fire they should immediately notify the Fire Service on 199.