One person has tragically died as fierce wildfires continue to ravage southern Greece, particularly in Keratea, southeast of Athens. The fire erupted shortly after 14:00 local time on Friday in the Manoutso area, quickly engulfing homes and leading to evacuation notices. Firefighters discovered the body of an elderly man in his residence within the Togani region adjacent to the fire's origin.
Emergency alerts have been dispatched via the 112 civil protection system, urging residents in affected locales to evacuate as the inferno intensified. Reports indicate that over 50 agricultural and forest fires ignited across Greece within the last 24 hours, marking one of the most devastating days for wildfires this summer. With wind speeds reaching 8 Beaufort, and gusts up to 9, the fire near Keratea grew rapidly in both size and intensity.
Authorities have successfully evacuated seven distinct regions, including Synterina and Drosia, with trained policemen assisting those hesitant to leave their properties. Local government officials, including Lavreotiki's mayor, Dimitris Loukas, characterized the situation as "extremely difficult," with the blaze stretching beyond seven kilometers and moving southward, potentially threatening residential areas.
To counter this rising threat, a contingent of 190 firefighters, armed with 44 vehicles and supported by air assets like 11 aircraft and seven helicopters, has been deployed to combat the flames. Crews from the Czech Republic and Romania have also joined the efforts, with additional heavy machinery provided by military engineering units to aid in containment strategies.
As of later Friday, another significant wildfire ignited in Helidoni, located in the Ancient Olympia municipality. Officials indicate that the risk of embers carried by wind igniting additional fires remains high, particularly around critical infrastructures like high-voltage power lines. Evacuation communications were sent to residents in surrounding communities, including Grammatikos and Lantzoi, directing them towards safer areas.
Firefighters are engaged in active measures to control the blaze, particularly in regions dangerously close to Pelopio and the renowned archaeological site of Ancient Olympia, where one individual required medical attention after sustaining severe burns.
As authorities grapple with the situation, they have alerted the public about the ongoing severe risk for further outbreaks, especially in the Attica, Peloponnese, and western Greece regions.
