Greece on fire for the 4th consecutive day

The ecological destruction caused by tens of fires across the country is enormous. At dawn on Saturday, hundreds of firefighters and volunteers were still faced with many fire fronts. The extensive investigation into the causes of these fires continues feverishly. According to the latest information, a 35yo Albanian has been arrested for arson in Gavrolimni, Aitoloakarnania.

The situation in Evros, Messologi and Arcadia remains critical. However, only a little while ago a big fire broke out in Sfinari, Chania. 19 firefighters with eight vehicles, a hiking unit and a helicopter are fighting against the flames.

At this point, firefighters are operating on 22 fronts throughout the country. The intensity of the winds is expected to increase from the current 5-6B up to 8 locally, thus making their efforts significantly more difficult. According to the Fire Department, 111 fires were in progress throughout the country from yesterday at 6am until Saturday morning: "Yesterday was the most difficult day of this summer and we had the largest number of forest fires within 24 hours", said a fire brigade officer.

Since this morning, eight airplanes and two helicopters have been doing battle with the flames. The ground forces include 132 firefighters with 67 trucks, 80 people in hiking units and 37 water-carrying vehicles.

The General Secretariat for Civil Protection warned that due to strong winds, this weekend will be very difficult.

Specifically, the risk of new eruptions will be very high in Evros, Aitoloakarnania, Attiki, Viotia, Evia, Achaia, Korinthia, Argolida, western Lakonia, Cyclades, northern Sporades, Limnos and Thasos.