Yesterday, a firefighter was injured during firefighting operations, suffering burns and being transported to the Aliveri Health Centre by ambulance. An explosion occurred near wind turbines in the Petries area, with debris from the explosion falling perilously close to volunteers from the SAR312 team and firefighters on the ground.
A substantial firefighting effort is currently underway, with 205 firefighters, 11 ground units, and 56 vehicles on the scene. At first light, five aircraft and three helicopters began assisting with aerial water drops. Emergency messages have been sent to residents in Klimaki, Liani ‘Ammos, Petries, and Krieza, urging evacuations to safer areas. Specific evacuation alerts were issued at various times overnight and early morning, directing residents to move to locations such as Agios Apostolos, Kalamos, and Aliveri.
Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Vassilis Kikilias, who visited Evia, described the situation as “a difficult fire, starting in a challenging area with low vegetation and spreading rapidly.”
A significant number of volunteers, local government water tankers, and heavy machinery are aiding in the firefighting efforts. As a precaution, a fire-fighting boat has been deployed to the area, and the Coast Guard is mobilised with vessels near the coastline.
Additionally, police forces have been deployed to facilitate the evacuation of residents. The coordination of all firefighting operations is being managed by the OLYMPOS Mobile Operations Centre.
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