A dramatic image of the wildfire situation across Greece, with evacuations of settlements, transfers of cases to hospitals, closures of Health Centers, and uncontrolled fronts, was given in an emergency briefing by the spokesperson of the Fire Service, Fire Chief Vasilis Varthakogiannis, emphasizing that the coming days will be even more difficult, according to expert predictions.
As Mr. Varthakogiannis said, within the last 48 hours, a total of 152 new agricultural and forest fires broke out.
Today, on the wildfire fronts, 4,850 firefighters have been deployed and continue to operate, while until the last light, 62 aerial means were deployed, as well as all the forces of the country’s other civil protection agencies.
Thirty-four messages have been issued via 112 for the safe evacuation of citizens in Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Arta, Preveza, Vonitsa, Aitoliko, Thessaloniki, Chios, and Achaia, while dozens of citizens have been rescued by the police, the army, and the coast guard.
In Achaia, where the major problem is located, 10 citizens have been transported by ambulance to the hospital in Rio and to a Health Center, two others were transported to the hospital in Chios, and 4 to the hospital in Arta, while EKAB (National Emergency Aid Center) is on standby in Chios, Preveza, Achaia, and wherever wildfires are ongoing.
Finally, the Fire Service spokesperson appealed to all citizens to cooperate and be very cautious in the coming days, which are expected to be extremely difficult.
Following is the full briefing by Mr.
Varthakoyianni, who vividly describes the situation that has developed, through the efforts being made by the entire state apparatus.
“Good evening again from the Fire Service Operations Center.
Following warnings of particularly adverse fire weather conditions, with a very high risk of wildfires, our country is facing numerous active fire fronts.
In just the last 48 hours, 152 new rural and forest fires have broken out.
The current situation is characterized by high temperatures, low humidity levels, and strong winds, locally reaching up to 9 Beaufort, creating an extremely dangerous environment for the rapid spread of fires.
Every new fire has the potential to escalate into a dangerous incident, requiring immediate and coordinated operational response.
Today, 4,850 firefighters have been deployed and continue to operate on the fire fronts, while until nightfall, 62 aerial assets were deployed.
Thirty-four emergency alerts were issued via 112 for the safe evacuation of citizens in Kefalonia, Zakynthos, Arta, Preveza, Vonitsa, Aetoliko, Thessaloniki, Chios, and Achaia.
Firefighting forces are battling the flames fiercely, with several fires taking dangerous turns, while all relevant Civil Protection agencies are providing continuous support.
The Regional Authorities are supplying all available water tankers and heavy machinery.
The Hellenic National Defense General Staff (GEETHA) is assisting firefighting operations with 445 personnel and 12 heavy machinery units, while for safe evacuations, it has deployed 11 buses and 16 special forces boats.
The Hellenic Police has deployed 315 officers with 135 vehicles for evacuating settlements and homes, transporting vulnerable individuals, conducting rescues, and managing traffic.
For the same purpose, the Hellenic Coast Guard has deployed 7 vessels in Chios, along with private boats, evacuating and relocating 54 citizens to safe areas. In Achaia, it has stationed 3 additional vessels on standby near the coastline.
The National Center for Emergency Care (EKAV) has deployed 8 ambulances in Achaia, including one Mobile Medical Unit, and so far, 7 cases have been transported to the University Hospital of Rio. Additionally, 3 cases have been transferred to neighboring Health Centers and the municipal shelter for accommodation. At this moment, the Kato Achaia Health Center is being preemptively evacuated, and 2 cases will be transported.
In Chios, 4 ambulances have been deployed, and 2 cases have been transported to Skylitsio Hospital.
In Preveza, 5 ambulances have been deployed. Currently, the Thesprotiko Health Center is being preemptively evacuated, and 4 cases will be transported to Arta Hospital.
Similarly, the Filippiada Health Center is being preemptively evacuated and 4 cases will be transferred to the Arta Hospital.
We are making every possible effort to address all active fronts, with all the means at our disposal.
In this effort, we ask for the cooperation of citizens and simultaneously issue an appeal above all: For everyone’s safety, it is essential to strictly follow the authorities’ instructions.
According to specialists’ forecasts, the situation will worsen even further in the coming days, which is why, without complacency, everyone’s vigilance is necessary.
For any updates, further information will follow.
Photo: Alithia.gr
