Μake us preferred on Google Multiple wildfires broke out across Greece on Tuesday, prompting large firefighting operations in central Greece, Attica prefecture and northern Greece, as authorities faced heightened fire danger in several areas.
The most significant incidents were reported in Boeotia (Viotia) prefecture in south-central Greece, where separate fires broke out in the areas of Stefani and Agios Vlasios.
The Stefani fire began at about 3 p.m. in a forested area. Four firefighting aircraft and four helicopters, one assigned to coordinate the aerial operation, were deployed periodically. The area was under a category 3, high fire-risk warning on Tuesday.
A separate fire broke out at about 4:45 p.m. in low vegetation in the Agios Vlasios area. The fire was reported to be spreading quickly through fields, crops and uncleared vegetation, although there was no immediate threat to settlements. A SMS 112 alert was issued for residents in the Agios Vlasios and Tsoukalades areas, followed by an order for residents in Tsoukalades to leave and head toward the city of Livadia.
File photo: Salamina wildfire
Firefighting forces were reinforced to 58 firefighters, three ground teams and 17 vehicles, supported periodically by 14 firefighting aircraft and four helicopters.
In Attica, which hosts the greater Athens-Piraeus region, a fire broke out around 3:40 p.m. in low vegetation in Kalopigado near the extreme southeast port of Lavrio, close to residential areas. About 70 firefighters, three ground teams and 23 vehicles were deployed, supported by five aircraft and four helicopters. A 112 message was issued as the flames approached homes. The fire was subsequently brought under control, although ground forces remained in the area to deal with pockets of dense vegetation.
Another fire broke out at about 4:40 p.m. in low vegetation and waste at an old firing range at the Elliniko site on the island of Salamina, behind a naval base. Firefighters, aircraft and helicopters were deployed, while the municipality provided water tankers. Authorities later issued evacuation instructions for nearby areas.
In northern Greece, a forest fire broke out at about 1:30 p.m. in Xirolivado near the city of Veria. Thirty firefighters, two ground teams and eight vehicles were deployed, supported by two aircraft and a helicopter.
A separate fire broke out in low vegetation at Vrysi in the municipality of Pangaio, Kavala, at about 11 a.m. Thirty-four firefighters, two ground teams and eight vehicles were mobilized, supported by two helicopters and two aircraft.
Later in the afternoon, a forest fire was reported at Ktypimena in the municipality of Almopia, Pella prefecture. Thirty-four firefighters, two ground teams, nine vehicles and a helicopter were deployed.
The fires came as Greece remained under elevated fire risk amid hot and dry conditions, with firefighting forces maintaining heightened readiness across the country during the peak summer fire season.
