Achaia in flames again

A state of emergency has been declared for the areas in Achaia threatened by the big fire, with Ano and Kato Kastritsi – Platani villages evacuated at the orders of the Fire Brigade.

In an urgent letter to the Secretary General for Civil Protection Th. Boufis, the Western Greece Region commander asked to declare a state of emergency in the five local communities of Sellon, Argiron, Ano Kastritsi, Kato Kastritsi, Platani and Drepano.

"We are faced with an extremely difficult and dangerous situation and we are using all available forces," said Katsifaras upon arriving at the fire front.

There was great concern since early in the morning for the University Hospital of Patras, as the building was covered by dense smoke. However, according to a statement by the Minister of Health at noon, there is no question of evacuation.

At this moment the fire is threatening the Ano and Kato Kastritsi villages, with the flames reaching to 500 meters from the first houses. A dismounted EMAK team of 20 people has just left Athens to contribute to the fight against the fire. There are 33 vehicles at the spot with 65 fire fighters and 35 people on foot, aided by 8 airplanes and 2 helicopters. Buses have also approached the area to transport people to safety, while the municipality of Patra is taking care of their hospitality.

According to the Fire Brigade the dangerous fiery fronts are many and are also uncontrollable. The strong winds in the region are making the situation even worse.

Traffic on the Patra – Korinthos highway has not been interrupted.
 
Meanwhile, another fiery front broke out in Achaia, in the woodland near Tzailo. Fire forces, aided by the neighboring prefecture of Ilia, are fighting this front.
 
The  first front that broke out just after 3 in the morning in the villages of Sella and Argira threatened populated areas, but the immediate response of the Fire Brigade canceled the evacuation instructions.
 
According to reports, the fire started from the village of Sella, possibly by the negligence of someone who was at the festival that had been set up at the Monastery of Agia Marina, which was celebrated yesterday.
 
A fire erupted in another forested area in Sfinari, Kissamos, Chania. 18 fire fighters with 7 vehicles, a 10-man hiking team and one helicopter are at the fire front. Another fire has broken out in Agios  Nikolaos.