Wildfires rage across Greece as dozens evacuated by sea

In Argolis, separate fires near Fichti and Chinitsa prompted 112 emergency alerts ordering residents to evacuate towards Argos and Porto Heli respectively. In Boeotia, a fire swept through Xironomi and is threatening Agios Vasilios, where dozens of people are being evacuated by sea.

Conditions in Rethymno have improved, but the fire has left extensive destruction, with thousands of hectares burned and local communities assessing the damage.

Fire near Fichti prompts evacuation towards Argos

A large wildfire is burning near Fichti in Argolis, close to Mycenae, affecting olive groves and mixed agricultural and forest land. Strong winds are making the work of firefighters increasingly difficult.

A total of 48 firefighters are operating in the area, supported by three ground teams from the 9th Special Unit for Forest Operations (EMODE), 13 vehicles, one helicopter and four aircraft. Water tankers and construction machinery from the Municipality of Argos-Mycenae are also assisting.

At 10.37am, a new 112 alert instructed people in the wider Fichti area to evacuate towards Argos.

New fire near Chinitsa

Shortly afterwards, another wildfire broke out near Chinitsa in Argolis.

Eighteen firefighters, one ground team from the 9th EMODE and six vehicles were deployed, supported from the air by two aircraft and one helicopter.

At 12.23pm, a 112 alert instructed residents to evacuate towards Porto Heli.

Dozens evacuated by sea in Boeotia

A major evacuation operation is under way in Agios Vasilios, Boeotia, where residents and holidaymakers are being transported by sea as a large wildfire approaches the area.

Five private boats, a tugboat, a Fire Service vessel and a Hellenic Coast Guard patrol boat are taking part. Around 50 people are being transferred to Livadostrata.

The situation is also critical in Xironomi, where the fire swept through the village, damaging agricultural and forest land, livestock facilities and other buildings.

Strong winds are hampering efforts to contain the blaze, with repeated flare-ups reported. Emergency alerts instructed residents to evacuate from Xironomi towards Ellopia, and from Aliki and Agios Nikolaos towards Domvrena.

Fire near Kalamaki closes provincial road

A further wildfire is burning in a forested area near Kalamaki.

Sixty firefighters and 19 vehicles have been deployed, while a firefighting vessel and a speedboat are heading towards Agios Vasilios.

Traffic has been halted in both directions on the Thebes-Domvraina provincial road. Authorities have advised motorists to avoid the area.

Conditions improve in Rethymno after extensive destruction

Conditions on the wildfire fronts in Rethymno have improved significantly after two nights of intensive firefighting operations.

The destruction, however, is extensive. Homes, vehicles, hotels and agricultural land have been burned, while the flames reached the Preveli palm forest.

According to the European Union’s Copernicus emergency monitoring service, at least 4,500 hectares have been burned. Firefighters remain on alert for renewed outbreaks.

Extreme fire risk forecast for Attica and Evia

Attica and Evia will be placed under a red alert on Saturday 1 August, with both regions facing an extreme wildfire risk at category 5, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection.

A very high risk at category 4 is also forecast in eight regions, including the Peloponnese, Central Greece, the Cyclades, Crete, Western Greece and the North Aegean.

Authorities remain on heightened alert. Civil Protection has urged the public to avoid activities in rural areas that could cause fires, including burning dry vegetation, using machinery that may produce sparks, lighting outdoor barbecues and discarding lit cigarettes.

Anyone who sees a fire is asked to contact the Fire Service immediately on 199.

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