Wildfires near Athens force evacuation of five settlements

Greek civil protection authorities ordered the evacuation of five settlements after large wildfires broke out southeast of Athens and near the main naval base on the island of Salamina.

Warnings were sent to residents close to the port of Lavrio, southeast of Athens, where more than 70 firefighters and 23 firefighting vehicles, supported by five water-bombing planes, were tackling a blaze.

Operations near the naval base and on Salamina

Warnings were also sent to people in the Elliniko area where a fire burned close to the naval base; six water-bombing planes assisted about 80 firefighters working with 25 fire engines on the ground. Navy officials said the fire did not threaten the base.

The Greek Red Cross mobilized rescuers immediately after the fire that erupted on Salamina and has been assisting firefighting services by providing first aid and support to firefighters; the organization remains on standby to help wherever needed. Planes and helicopters have been deployed to drop water on fires in other areas as well.

Authorities raised the risk level to category four for islands in the western Ionian Sea, including Corfu, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Lefkada. Due to prolonged dryness, the risk of new fires remains high, according to the national civil protection agency. The country is facing a late-summer heatwave with temperatures up to 40 Celsius, which is forecast to last until the start of next week.

So far there are no reports of material damage or injuries, and firefighting and civil protection teams continue to monitor the situation and carry out evacuations where ordered.

Photo: Fejsbuk-stranica na grchkiot Crven krst