The village of Marmari and two settlements were evacuated early Monday morning after a large fire broke out in the early morning hours in area of Karystos on the southern part of the island of Evia. The fire started at 2:30 in the morning increasing suspicion on arson.
The fire broke out on the mountain top, while winds were blowing with intensity of up to 9-10 Beaufort, state broadcaster ERT reported.
Strong winds blowing with intensity of over Beaufort spread the blaze quickly.
Firefighters rushed to the area and aerial means joined the operation by the first light of the day.
There are currently 64 firefighters with 26 vehicles, 1 group on foot, 9 helicopters and one aircraft operating in the area with the assistance of volunteer firefighters as well as water tanks provided by the municipality.
However, strong winds blowing with 5 Beaufort and guts up 7 Β and in the area are making the work of the fire brigade more difficult.
According to the Shipping Ministry, a port lifeguard, a private boat and two passenger ships are on immediate alert in Marmari to provide assistance if required.
By 10 a.m., the Fire Brigade announced that the fire was delimited.
The fire broke out as the central and the northern part of the Evia still tries to recover from the devastating blaze two weeks ago.
Very High Risk of fires
The Civil Protections warns of very high risk of fires also on Monday, August 23, 2021.
Areas at very high risk are: Attica, Kythera, parts on Evia and in Peloponnese as well as the islands of Crete, Samos, Ikaria, Chios, Psara, Lesvos.
In case you spot a wildfire, please, call, the Fire Service at <199> or <112> (international emergency phone number).