Evros fires continue, while new ones break out in Thessaly, Messinia; Soufli residents on alert

Firefighters continued their efforts to put out fires in and around the National Forest of Dadia, NE Greece on Thursday.

The fires are between the areas of Soufli and Kornofolia east of the Dadia forest; in the forest itself, which has already sustained extensive damage; and in the forestland between Sidiro, Giannouli and Kotronia on the west edges of Dadia.

A total of 68 fires were burning in Greece on Thursday, with 32 of those breaking out in the last 24 hours. Most of the new fires were dealt with quickly as soon as they broke out, the Fire Brigade said in an update on Thursday evening.

In Mt. Parnitha, firefighters are focused on putting out blazes in the southwestern flank of the mountain, near the Frourio Fylis monument.

In Tsikraki of Farsala, southern Thessaly, firefighters are fighting dispersed fire pockets.

In Korona of Kilkis, near the borders with the North Macedonia Republic, a total of 26 firefighters with 11 fire engines and a helicopter (the latter during daylight hours) were at hand. Water trucks and large machinery were also contributed by regional authorities.

In Aspropoulia of Messinia, northwest of Kalamata in SW Greece, residents were notified through the emergency number 112 to evacuate toward Kalamata. A total of 54 firefighters, 12 fire engines, 3 ground teams, 9 aircraft and a helicopter were operating throughout the day, with the help of volunteer firefighters, water trucks and machinery.

In Geraki of Ilia, east of Amaliada in NW Peloponnese, there are 45 firefighters with 12 fire trucks and 3 ground teams fighting the fire. During the day they were assisted by 2 aircraft and a helicopter. Also helping are water trucks and machinery of local authorities.

As already mentioned in previous briefings, firefighters are assisted by colleagues from France, Spain, Cyprus, Romania, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Albania, and Serbia. In addition, a large number of volunteer firefighters, Armed Forces personnel, and Greek police officers have been helping, along with local government machinery.

The Fire Brigade’s specialists are investigating the causes of fires.

The threat of fire remains high on Friday in several regions of Greece, and the Fire Brigade continues to be on general alert.