The wildfire that broke out in Akraifnio, a village in the regional unit of Boeotia in central Greece on Monday, caused extensive damage and significant livestock losses, triggering a major emergency response and raising concerns among local residents.
Fueled by strong winds, the fire spread rapidly, covering a distance of approximately four kilometers. Despite the immediate response of the Fire Service and road closures implemented by authorities, efforts to contain the blaze proved particularly difficult.
Farm Above Village Cemetery Completely Destroyed
The heaviest losses were suffered by a large livestock farm located just above the village cemetery. The facility was completely destroyed, while agricultural and livestock machinery was consumed by the flames.
According to reports, the owner kept around 60 calves and sheep at the farm. Many animals were killed, while those that survived scattered into the surrounding area in panic. The wildfire also inflicted extensive damage on the agricultural sector, destroying olive groves and pistachio orchards.
“The Fire Spread Extremely Fast”
A local resident described the dramatic moments and the speed at which the wildfire spread:
“The fire spread extremely fast because there was a tremendous amount of wind, and that was fueling it. The Fire Service responded immediately, of course, and crews blocked off certain areas, but it was uncontrollable because of the strong winds.
“The fire covered a huge area and burned many olive trees. Pistachio trees too. In addition to that, there was the farm here with the man’s animals. He had sixty calves, not counting the sheep I saw, as well as machinery. I can see that quite a few machines were saved, but he suffered major damage.”
