Fire in Villia still raging; five more communities evacuated

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.