Greece battles multiple wildfires: Evacuations in Zakynthos, Preveza, Arta and Vonitsa as blazes threaten villages

The Fire Department has been on high alert since early Tuesday morning as firefighting forces battle several wildfires that broke out at dawn in Zakynthos, Preveza, Aetolia-Acarnania, and Arta, while 112 emergency messages have been sent for readiness or evacuation of settlements.

Read: Fire in Kefalonia under control: Only minor flare-ups remain – Statement from Faraklata Community President

Zakynthos wildfire: Fire department on high alert

A massive wildfire that erupted early Tuesday morning (12/8) on Zakynthos continues to rage, with very strong winds hampering firefighters’ efforts as they battle the flames. The fire started from a forest area in the Koiliomenos region and while it appeared to threaten the village of Agalas, due to a wind direction change, it is now heading toward the village of Keri. According to information from the Athens-Macedonian News Agency, the evacuation of a hotel located in the Apelati area, before Keri, was requested for precautionary reasons.

A new warning message from 112 advises residents in the Keri area to move away toward Zakynthos city and those in Agalas to evacuate toward the villages of Koiliomenos and Machairado.

44 firefighters and a ground crew with 16 vehicles, three aircraft and two helicopters are operating at the scene with the assistance of municipal water trucks.

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“The fire is next to houses”

As Zakynthos Mayor Giorgos Stasinopoulos reported to ERT News: “The fire is next to houses right now, the entire village of Agalas is threatened, as the forest next to it is burning and the flames are heading toward the village of Keri. All firefighting forces are here. Civil Protection, construction machinery, everything, but despite all this there are strong winds and the fire is out of control“.

He added: “We definitely need more aerial means to cut the fire, to prevent it from heading toward the village”.

Preveza wildfire: 112 message for evacuation

A wildfire broke out Tuesday morning (12/8) in the Gymnotops area in Preveza. A 112 message was sent to area residents to move away toward Keratsona. 26 firefighters with one ground crew, seven vehicles and one helicopter have been mobilized for suppression.