The situation surrounding the major wildfire that broke out on the afternoon of Sunday, July 5, at the “Sfaka” location near Oinoi in the municipality of Mandra-Eidyllia has shown a marked improvement, with firefighting forces continuing operations at scattered active hotspots, primarily within the forested area. Speaking to parapolitika.gr, the Mayor of Mandra-Eidyllia, Armodios Drikos, expressed optimism about how the operation was progressing, estimating that, barring any serious flare-ups, the fire front would be brought under full control by the evening hours. “I think we are in a considerably better position. It appears we have entered a phase of controlling the fire. If the plan continues with the constant aerial drops and the coordinated efforts of the ground firefighting forces, I believe that by the evening hours we will have achieved full control — if not a definitive extinguishment,” he stated.
The risk of re-ignition remains
As he noted, despite the clear improvement in the situation, the risk of flare-ups remains, while winds blowing through the area at a force of 5 to 6 Beaufort are creating localized whirlwinds, making the work of firefighters increasingly difficult.
The battle against the flames involves 210 firefighters with 10 infantry units from the 1st EMODE, 45 fire trucks, volunteers, and Civil Protection volunteer teams, while 29 aircraft are carrying out continuous water drops from the air, aiming to contain the remaining active hotspots before sunset.
When asked about reports suggesting a lit cigarette as the possible cause of the fire, Mayor Drikos clarified that there is currently no concrete evidence, while confirming that relevant witness testimonies do exist.
“We have no proof that it was a cigarette. There are certain witness accounts and indications. The fire started just a few centimeters from the roadway of the old national Athens-Thebes highway. Whether it was a cigarette or something else will be investigated by the relevant authorities, who will follow the procedures required,” the Mayor of Mandra-Eidyllia emphasized.
