Fire in Keratea – Flames threaten homes again – Concern for Sounio National Park

The fire that broke out in Keratea – Lavreotiki extends to a front of many kilometers, with fire fighting forces constantly being strengthened, as there is a battle to keep the flames before they spread to the Sounio National Park, so it is now considered extremely difficult to stop its course.

The fire that broke out in Markati Lavreotiki has burned at least 10 houses that are scattered in the area, according to representatives of the municipality, and has caused damage to settlements in the area.

The fire – in parallel with the one in Vilia – is raging on two fronts: one towards Kamariza and Lavrio and one towards Agios Konstantinos and the Sounio National Park. The fire brigade is fighting a real battle to prevent the flames from spreading to the second front, as there is intense vegetation in the area.

It is noted that an order has already been given through 112 for the evacuation of four settlements (Markati, Synterina, Agios Konstantinos and Dimoulaki).

Strong winds

Four beaufort winds are blowing in the area with gusts of 6 beauforts that make the work of firefighters extremely difficult. “The biggest problem is located in the settlement of Agios Konstantinos and efforts are being made to prevent the fire from spreading to the residential area and the National Park,” said the deputy governor of Attica, Nikos Peppas, speaking to SKAI channel.

Earlier there was information that an elderly woman with mobility problems who had been left alone in her house was missing , after her son went to work in Lavrio. According to what the governor of Attica, George Patoulis, told ERT, the woman was found and is in good health.

In fact, as Mr Patoulis declared, the fire in the long-suffering Lavreotiki started from arson. “The fire started from an arson. It was a white pedestrian, who put it in a trash can and the fire escaped afterwards. The mayor of the municipality saw it “, he said.

Traffic stops

The traffic was stopped by the Traffic Police on the roads of the area and specifically:

On the old Lavriou-Keratea avenue
In Lavrio – Kamariza in the area of ​​workers’ houses to the settlement of Agios Konstantinos
In Lavrio – Kamariza, from the settlement of Synterina to Agios Konstantinos and
Lavriou Avenue and old Lavriou Avenue

Operating forces

The forces operating in the fire that broke out in low vegetation in the area of ​​Markati Keratea have been strengthened and are operating 91 firefighters including three groups of fire fighters on foot, 34 vehicles, as well as the Mobile Operation Center OLYMPOS.

Six aircraft and six helicopters, including two Army Air Force helicopters, have been deployed and are operating periodically for firefighting.

Volunteer firefighters, construction machinery and water-carrying local authorities provide assistance. The fire brigade is coordinated by the Chief of the Fire Brigade, Lieutenant General Stefanos Kolokouris.

Also, a team from the Arson Crimes Directorate is investigating the causes of the fire.

“If the fire passes down the road, it will reach Sounio”

According to the mayor of Saronikos, Petros Filippou, the big front is between Ag. Constantine and Anavyssos and an attempt is made not to cross the lower side of the road.

“We are at a point on the road between Ag. Konstantinos and Anavyssos and the forces are trying not to let the fire pass on the lower side of the road because the whole forest of Sounio will burn “, noted Mr. Filippou speaking to MEGA.

In fact, he warned that if the fire passes through the road, it will reach Sounio, burning forest areas.