Strong ground forces and air assets continue to operate in large fire, which occurred shortly before noon in Sofiko Corinthia.
The fire is burning dense forests, mainly pine trees, without currently threatening any settlements.
With military and local government equipment, firefighting forces try to stop the fire by opening fire zones.
After a new reinforcement of forces, 140 firefighters are operating on site with 6 pedestrian groups and 37 vehicles, in addition to which 10 aircraft and 12 helicopters have been mobilized and operate periodically, two of which are for coordination.
At noon, an alert message was sent via 112 to the residents of Sofikos Corinthia, asking them to remain alert and follow the instructions of the authorities.
The flames reached a height of over 20 m.
Speaking previously to ERT, the firefighters’ press representative, Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, spoke of a very difficult fire, in dense vegetation, while also speaking of several outbreaks.
Vathrakogiannis stressed that at the moment the front has been limited, but added that it has not been controlled, adding that “we have a lot of work to do”. He highlighted that mainly in the first half hour of the fire, the flames exceeded the height of 20-25 meters. “At the moment we do not have that situation. We are not saying that the fire has been fought, or even contained, it is ongoing, as is the entire operational plan”, he added.
He also said that in several cases retardant fluid was used. The press representative also highlighted that the causes of the fire are being investigated and said that in the first phase the firefighters were informed of an outbreak near a road.
Moves towards Epidaurus from the front
According to the mayor of Corinth, Nikos Stavrelis, who also spoke to ERT earlier, the fire has already left the village of Sofikos and is heading towards Epidaurus, but the distance is still long. He also said that no settlement is at risk, nor is the camp located in Sofiko.
In his latest statements on public television at 4pm, he said there is no improvement and that the fire is spreading towards Epidaurus and towards Corfu. He said that superhuman efforts are being made, but, he added, the situation is very difficult and he is not optimistic at the moment.
Regarding the winds, he said there are gusts and stressed that an effort is being made to contain the fire with fire zones. He again called for at least 2 more Canadians, stressing that 6 aerial vehicles are currently operating.
3 firefighters injured
Previously, it was known three firefighters were slightly injured during the fire-fighting operation. The firefighters were taken to Corinto Hospital.
Regarding the fire at Sofiko Corinthia, a coordination meeting was held at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, under the supervision of Minister Vassilis Kikilia. The meeting was attended by, among others, co-competent ministries, officials from the Fire Service, ELAS and the Army, representatives of the local government and all the agencies involved.
Traffic interruption on a section of Epidauros Avenue
Vehicle traffic was interrupted on a section of Epidauros Avenue, due to the fire that was ravaging a forest area in Sofikos Corinthia.
According to police, the traffic stop was implemented from the Loutra Orea Eleni intersection to the Dimena intersection.
Vehicular movement is carried out through detours and alternative routes.
The children’s camp announcement
The managers of the children’s camp “The Ranch” located in Sofiko Corinthia are reassuring.
According to reports, the fire is far from the facilities.
Fire also in Zakynthos
A fire started in the region Agalas Zakynthos today, Wednesday, in the afternoon. The fire is burning an agricultural area.
31 firefighters are working at the scene with 1 group of pedestrians and 11 vehicles. 1 helicopter and 5 aircraft were mobilized from the air.
Fire in Messinia
Fire broke out in the afternoon in an agroforestry area in Metamorphosis of Messinia.
There are 22 firefighters working on site with 9 vehicles. In addition, 2 helicopters and 1 aircraft were mobilized.
Kilkis: Fire near Evzone customs
A fire also occurred in an agroforestry area in Tsoliades Kilkis, near the Evzones customs house.
39 firefighters were mobilized with 2 teams of street vendors, 12 vehicles and 1 helicopter.
Due to the fire, the Evzones customs office has been closed and vehicle crossings to and from Greek territory are not taking place.
Fire in Acarnas
A fire also occurred in Acarnas at noon, today Wednesday.
The fire was contained immediately, after the mobilization of the Fire Department.
The fire in Pieria is partially under control
It came under partial control fire which erupted at the height of the Korino junction on the National Highway.