Sunday, August 11 2024

Today has been an highly challenging day, with 40 new wildfires breaking out in the last 24 hours.

Out of these, 33 were immediately brought under control.

A short while ago, an inter-ministerial coordination meeting, convened by the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Vassilis Kikilias, was concluded. The meeting included all relevant agencies in order to ensure optimal coordination regarding the ongoing wildfires.

The wildfire that broke out at 2:32 PM today in Aigerouses, Megara, has been contained, with ground and aerial forces continuing their efforts until it is fully extinguished.

Half an hour later, at 3:02 PM, another major wildfire broke out in Varnava, Attica, near scattered homes and in close proximity to the settlement. At the onset, wind gusts reached 8 Beaufort, causing the fire to spread rapidly and become extensive within minutes.

Four alerts were issued via the 112 emergency number. The first alert provided information, while the other three instructed residents to evacuate the settlements of Varnava, Monastery of Panagia, Vothonas - Kalentzi, and Pourithi.

At this moment, the fire is progressing towards Lake Marathon. The firefighting forces, which are continuously being reinforced, are focusing on the flanks, confronting flames that, in many instances, exceed 25 meters in height.

A total of 250 firefighters are engaged in the operation, supported by 10 forest commando teams and 67 vehicles, along with a significant number of volunteers. From the air, 19 aerial units are operating intermittently, including 12 aircraft and 7 helicopters, one of which is coordinating the operations. Heavy machinery and water tankers from the Attica Region and the Armed Forces are also assisting in the firefighting efforts.

All forces are being coordinated from the Mobile Operational Center "OLYMPOS." 

We urge the residents of the area to comply with the authorities' instructions for their own safety, given the rapidly advancing fire.

Further updates will follow as the situation develops.