A wildfire was raging last Saturday afternoon into evening in a densely forested area near the Atsitsa site on the island of Skyros, prompting SMS alerts and the preventive evacuation of two beaches, a taverna and a house, as strong winds complicated firefighting efforts.
Initially, 12 firefighters with five vehicles and volunteers were operating at the site, supported by six aircraft and four helicopters. An additional 20 firefighters, including a ground team and six vehicles were being transported by ferry from the port of Kymi in Evia (Euboea). Water tankers operated by local authorities and heavy machinery were also assisting.
The firefighting operation was subsequently reinforced, with the total force rising to 53 firefighters, five ground teams and 10 vehicles, while 11 aircraft and five helicopters were operating periodically, according to the latest update.
Skyros Mayor Kyriakos Antonopoulos told state broadcaster ERT that further firefighting forces were expected to arrive on the final ferry boat arriving from Kymi.
The fire comes amid a period of elevated wildfire risk across parts of Greece, with strong northerly winds affecting the Aegean. Media reported earlier in the day that gale-force winds were disrupting travel across the country, while authorities remained on heightened alert for wildfires.
