Firefighting forces continue to battle on two fronts against the wildfire that broke out yesterday, Saturday, August 15, 2026, in Atsitsa, Skyros, at around 4:00 PM, spreading rapidly due to powerful winds and engulfing the dense pine forest. According to the Fire Service, extremely strong winds exceeding 7 Beaufort split the fire into two fronts: a southern front, toward Agios Fokas, and an eastern front, toward Pefko, where major efforts are underway to halt its advance. Firefighting forces were reinforced during the night with additional personnel and equipment arriving by ferry via Kymi, while aerial assets have been deployed since early morning.
At first light, four fixed-wing aircraft and two helicopters were deployed, with aerial forces subsequently reinforced. In total, 89 firefighters are currently active, supported by six ground crews from the 1st, 4th, and 20th EMODE units, volunteers, and 21 vehicles. Aerial firefighting resources deployed so far include 7 aircraft and 5 helicopters, one of which is dedicated to coordination. Water tankers and heavy machinery from the Municipality of Skyros and the Civil Protection authority of Evia are also assisting in the operation.
Mayor of Skyros speaks to parapolitika.gr: Improved situation, but battle continues against scattered fronts
The overall picture of the fire has improved, with the Mayor of Skyros, Kyriakos Antonopoulos, telling parapolitika.gr that the situation is currently relatively contained. He explained that scattered fronts and active hotspots remain, with aerial assets conducting targeted drops at specific points requiring intervention in order to further restrict the fire’s spread.
According to the mayor, wind remains one of the most critical factors in the operation’s progress. Winds in the area are currently blowing at around 5 Beaufort, with gusts reaching 6 Beaufort.
Mr. Antonopoulos expressed cautious optimism about the coming hours, as winds are expected to ease after midday. He noted that the anticipated drop in wind intensity, combined with targeted operations by both aerial and ground forces, raises hopes that the fire can be brought under control.
Virgin forest destroyed — section that burned in 2008 engulfed once again
Deep concern has been raised over the environmental destruction left in the fire’s wake. Mayor Antonopoulos stressed that the blaze has burned through virgin forest, devastating a particularly significant section of the island’s natural heritage. The affected area forms part of a continuous forest complex covering approximately 85 square kilometers. Notably, this same region has suffered a major fire before — part of the same forest burned in 2008 and had since naturally regenerated.
The new fire has now consumed both pristine forest and portions of the area that burned in 2008 and had since recovered, meaning that a section of this forest ecosystem is facing the flames for the second time in just 18 years.
The full extent of the destruction and the precise area burned cannot yet be determined, as the firefighting operation remains ongoing.
Series of emergency alerts sent via 112
It is worth noting that during the course of yesterday, two emergency alerts were sent via the 112 system, calling on residents to evacuate areas in the fire’s path. At 4:31 PM, those in the wider Agios Fokas area were instructed to move toward Acherunes, while at 6:15 PM a second alert was issued for residents in the wider Pefko settlement area, directing them toward Chora Skyrou.
Very high wildfire risk remains in effect
Both yesterday and today, Sunday, August 16, 2026, the area remains under a very high wildfire risk rating (Category 4).
Firefighting forces continue their battle, with efforts now focused on tackling scattered hotspots and conducting targeted aerial drops. The anticipated easing of winds after midday is considered a critical factor in the operation’s outcome.
