The Deputy Governor of Argolida spoke to Parapolitika 90.1 and the “Anemologio” show with Konstantinos Lavithis. Vasilis Sideris stated that the wildfire in Fichti has been brought under control, adding that he was at the operations site on the afternoon of Friday, July 31, and that both regional authorities and the Fire Service were set to remain on the ground throughout the night.
Read: Wildfire in Fichti, Argolida: Firefighter faints during operations
Argolida: “Fortunately, aerial assets were deployed”
Vasilis Sideris stated: “We are in a good position — the situation is now under control. We had fires across three villages. Being at the front line myself, I can confirm the situation is indeed controlled, with only small hotspots remaining. We will need to stay on the front line throughout the night and into tomorrow with heavy machinery and water tankers. A great number of volunteers and property owners with tanks and water trucks all came to help. The wind was changing direction every five to ten minutes, making it very difficult for aircraft to fly due to the high winds. Air support operated in the morning, then ceased between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Fortunately, aerial operations resumed after 4:00 p.m., and that is why we are seeing positive results — I hope they continue. The fire in Porto Heli was dealt with within an hour. Thankfully, we had no loss of human life. Thousands of olive and orange trees have been destroyed, but since no lives were lost…”
The Deputy Governor of Argolida also addressed the damage to agricultural assets: “The regional governor is at the front line. On Monday, we will carry out a damage assessment, as those affected must be compensated promptly. The damage to agricultural capital is significant — an olive tree that is 60, 70, or 80 years old simply cannot be replaced; we will have to start from scratch. We feel deeply for these people, but again, we did not lose any human lives. We urge citizens to be careful when moving through forests, not to discard matches or cigarettes. The fire broke out in the southern part of the regional unit — someone threw a cigarette. I cannot say whether it was deliberate arson, but a cigarette was discarded in dry grass and ignited it. Citizens must also take responsibility for clearing dry vegetation on their own properties.”
