Μake us preferred on Google As firefighters continue battling the major wildfire threatening Porto Germeno in western Attica, rescue teams are also racing to save animals trapped in the fire zone.
Stray animals, pets and farm animals have been evacuated from the affected areas of Porto Germeno, Prosili and Agios Nektarios, as the National Animal Protection Mechanism for Natural Disasters remains fully activated.
According to the latest update from animal welfare organization Dogs’ Voice, which has been operating continuously since the afternoon of July 31, a total of 62 animals have been rescued so far.
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The rescued animals include 46 companion animals housed at a temporary emergency shelter established at the new stadium in Vilia, while another nine have been transferred to a municipal facility. Rescue teams have also saved seven farm animals, including two geese and five chickens.
The temporary shelter was created in cooperation with the Municipality of Mandra-Eidyllia and the local animal welfare organization Adespotes Psyches Mandras (“Stray Souls of Mandra”), serving as the main reception center for animals evacuated from the wildfire zone.
Rescuers say conditions on the ground remain extremely challenging. According to Dogs’ Voice, many frightened animals continued running through flames and heavy smoke but could not be safely rescued because repeated flare-ups and dangerous fire conditions forced rescue crews and firefighters to withdraw from certain areas.
The emergency shelter in Vilia remains on high alert. It is currently caring for both stray animals and owned pets that were evacuated as a precaution from communities threatened by the wildfire. The animals are being kept in shaded areas under continuous care and are expected to remain at the shelter for at least the next two days while authorities complete identification procedures, reunite pets with their owners where possible, or arrange their return.
The National Animal Protection Mechanism for Natural Disasters continues coordinating operations through Greece’s Emergency Coordination Center under the supervision of the Special Secretariat for the Protection of Companion Animals. Volunteers, animal welfare organizations, private citizens, animal transport vehicles and other supporting organizations are also participating in the ongoing evacuation effort.
Dogs’ Voice highlighted the contribution of Deputy Mayor Dimitris Pagonis, the Anibus team, which provided shelter for farm animals as well as dogs and a cat, EL MOTO-AUTO, which supplied trucks for transportation, and dozens of volunteers and local residents assisting with the operation.
Despite the successful rescues, the situation remains critical. The wildfire continues to pose a serious threat, and the emergency shelter in Vilia remains prepared to receive additional animals should more communities come under threat in the coming hours. Rescue operations will continue wherever conditions allow until the fire is fully brought under control.
