The situation with the fire in Vilia is difficult as five more communities – Thea, Panorama, Palaiohori, Paliokoundoura and Aghia Sotira – were evacuated as well as the ‘Panaghia Faneromeni’ nursing home as the flames that spread on a large front approached residential areas burning dense and inaccessible virgin pine forest on Mount Patera.
In contrast, the fire is in recession in the municipality of Lavreotiki, where there are only scattered outbreaks within the perimeter.
With the first light of day, the air means started to operate, especially in Vilia, and in particular 6 helicopters and 5 aircraft, including the Russian Beriev-200.
As far as the ground forces are concerned, 330 firefighters are operating, including 8 groups of on foot, 115 vehicles, the METPE (Motorized Special Operations Department), as well as the forces provided by the European Mechanism and Special Protection Policy.
Poland is participating with 143 firefighters with 46 vehicles. The OLYMPUS Mobile Operational Center has been provided to assist in the coordination of forces.
In addition, the Defkalia Plan was activated and the Greek Army has as assistance 5 groups of infantry units. Assistance is also provided by many volunteer firefighters, construction equipment of the Greek Army as well as water tankers of the region and the local government.
The fire brigade is coordinated by the head of the Fire Brigade, Lieutenant General Stefanos Kolokouris.
In the fire of Keratea that broke out on Monday in low vegetation, in the Markati area and has burned houses and forest, there are scattered active fires inside the perimeter where 104 firefighters are operating including three groups on foot, 40 vehicles. Two helicopters are also operating. Volunteer firefighters and water-carrying local authority vehicles provide assistance.
Both fires in Villia and Keratea are being investigated on suspicion of arson, he said, adding that on Monday there were 45 new fires that broke out and firefighters had handled 96 fires.
“We call on you for collaboration and appeal to the public to follow the directions of authorities,” Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis said on Monday evening.
Tough night at Villia, keeping wildfire away from homes; Keratea front ‘improved’, minister says
The situation with the fire in Keratea in eastern Attica has improved, while that in Villia, western Attica, will be “an all-night effort,” Citizen Protection Minister Michalis Chrisochoidis said on Monday evening.
In a brief announcement on progress in fighting the wildfires, both burning through thick forested areas, Chrisochoidis said of Keratea that “there are scattered pockets of fire, but they lie within the perimeter of the wildfire, and efforts continue to demarcate it.” At least three communities have been evacuated.
Fighting the wildfire that broke out at 10:30 am at a low brush area near Markati village are a total of 104 firefighters, 3 ground teams, 40 fire trucks, the mobile operations center ‘Olympos’, and, until sunset, 8 airplanes and 11 helicopters. In addition, there were volunteers, foreign firefighters, heavy machinery and local water trucks, he sait.
Protecting Villia
Villia, on the other hand, did not show an improvement, the minister said, partly because of high-velocity winds which were registered at both of these regions in Attica. The fire was moving to the forested area and toward evacuated settlements, but was not near homes yet.
Several communities have been evacuated, he added, and efforts were going to continue through the night, focusing on cutting off the fire from Villia itself and two more villages.
A total of 240 firefighters, 4 ground teams, and 82 fire trucks were operating in the region, assisted during the day by 9 helicopters and 8 airplanes.
Assistance is provided in addition by Poland through the RescEU program, with another 143 firefighters and 46 fire trucks.
Both fires in Villia and Keratea are being investigated on suspicion of arson, he said, adding that on Monday there were 45 new fires that broke out and firefighters had handled 96 fires.
“We call on you for collaboration and appeal to the public to follow the directions of authorities,” Chrisochoidis said in conclusion.
Source: ANA-MPA