A fast-moving wildfire that broke out early Thursday in the seaside town of Palaia Fokaia, Eastern Attica, has destroyed homes and prompted emergency evacuations as gale-force winds and soaring temperatures fuel the blaze.
Forces at the scene have been reinforced, according to Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, Press Officer for the Greek Fire Service. He reported that 45 fires have broken out across the country in the past 24 hours. Boats have also been deployed as a precautionary measure, he added. An investigation is underway into the cause of the fire in Nea Fokaia, Vathrakogiannis confirmed.
Photo: Sotiris Dimitropoulos / Eurokinissi
Flames broke out in the Thymari settlement and quickly swept into the residential zone of Ano Fokaia. Authorities issued urgent evacuation orders via 112 alerts as the fire spread on multiple fronts.
“It’s a very difficult fire,” said Attica Region Deputy Governor Vicky Kavallari in an interview with ERT TV. “We are in constant contact with the fire department. The Region is assisting with water tanks and heavy machinery. A great struggle is underway.”
An emergency coordination meeting has been called as firefighting efforts intensify. Ground and aerial units are battling the flames, backed by regional and municipal teams. However, strong winds continue to hamper containment.
At least 20 home has been destroyed.
Former Saronikos mayor Petros Filippou urged immediate evacuation, noting power outages across the wider area. “We have two active fire fronts,” he said: one advancing toward Agia Fotini and the other toward Harakas.
Εvacuation orders have been issued for:
- Triantafyllia
- Katafygi
- Harakas
- Tourkolimano
- Thymari
Traffic Alert: Police have closed the Athens–Sounio highway from Evelpidos Koutsia Street to and from Sounio. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
- Animal welfare group EPAS Saronikou is assisting in evacuating pets and animals. Concerned citizens can call 6978 998960 for support.
