Greece’s emergency services remain fully mobilised as major forest fires continue to burn across several regions of the country, with the most serious fronts reported in Boeotia, Aigio and Rethymno.
Aerial firefighting operations resumed at first light after strong winds had severely restricted their use overnight. Although the gradual weakening of the winds has improved conditions in some areas, authorities stress that there is no room for complacency.
Mitsotakis at the heart of the emergency operation
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis visited the Civil Protection Crisis Management and Coordination Centre early on Saturday, where he received a full briefing on the active wildfire fronts across the country.
Particular attention was given to the fires near Agios Vasileios–Porto Germeno and Xironomi, where powerful winds created extremely difficult and rapidly changing conditions.
Following the briefing, Mitsotakis expressed his full support and confidence in the women and men of the Fire Service, the security forces, the Armed Forces, Civil Protection and local authorities operating on the ground.
The government’s central message is that all available resources have been deployed, with the protection of human life remaining the absolute priority.
Two major fronts in Boeotia
Firefighters faced an exceptionally difficult night in Boeotia, where two separate wildfires remained active.
The fire that started near Xironomi moved towards Domvraina, prompting an emergency alert instructing residents to evacuate towards Thisvi.
A second front, which began in Kalamaki and moved towards Attica, reached the wider Porto Germeno area. Successive evacuation alerts were issued, while 12 people were rescued by sea.
The operation in the wider region includes:
- 325 firefighters
- 18 forest commando teams
- 92 fire engines
- 18 aircraft
- 7 helicopters
The Armed Forces’ DEUCALION emergency response unit is also assisting, while heavy machinery is being used to create firebreaks in cooperation with forestry services.
Twelve people rescued from Porto Germeno
One of the most critical overnight operations took place at Porto Germeno.
A Hellenic Coast Guard patrol vessel and a Fire Service boat safely evacuated 12 people from the beach and transferred them to Alepochori.
Coast Guard, Fire Service and privately owned vessels remain in the area in case further evacuations are required.
Fresh evacuation alerts in Aigialeia
In Aigio, ground crews fought throughout the night near Nerantzies, trying to prevent the flames from reaching residential areas.
Emergency messages were sent to residents of:
- Arravonitsa
- Synania
- Agioi Theodoroi
- Lidoriki
ordering them to move towards Alsos and Nerantzies.
The operation involves 75 firefighters, ground teams, four aircraft and two helicopters, while local authorities have deployed water tankers and heavy machinery.
Improved conditions in Rethymno, but the danger remains
The overall situation in southern Rethymno has improved, although the emergency has not yet ended.
Firefighters continue to deal with scattered flare-ups around:
- Preveli
- Kerames
- Drymiskos
- Asomatos
Strong winds remain the most serious threat, as they can rapidly revive fire fronts that appear to have been brought under partial control.
Extreme fire risk in Attica and Evia
Attica and Evia remain under a Category 5 extreme wildfire warning, while several other parts of Greece are under a Category 4 very high risk alert.
In Halkidiki, authorities have imposed a temporary ban on pedestrian and vehicle access to forest areas in the municipalities of Kassandra, Sithonia and Aristotelis.
Violations carry an administrative fine of €300.
The battle of the next few hours
Mitsotakis’s presence at the crisis coordination centre was intended to signal continuous political oversight and full emergency readiness.
The immediate objective is to use the temporary easing of the winds to contain the active fronts before weather conditions worsen again.
Authorities continue to urge residents to follow emergency alerts without delay, avoid unnecessary travel and comply fully with evacuation instructions and access restrictions. In such extreme conditions, timely evacuation and public cooperation can prove decisive in protecting lives.
Source: pagenews.gr