Wildfires in Greece: The nightmare continues in Western Attica and Loutraki

The fiery nightmare in Western Attica and Corinth continues for a second 24 hours with the fronts of the fire having taken on dangerous dimensions due to the strong winds.

The situation, according to the fire brigade, is difficult, as the fire extends in fronts of many kilometers. New flare-ups are observed around Loutraki, while active fronts exist in Vlyhada in Megara, where the fire that started from Dervenochoria has reached.

The front reached the National Highway at night but was brought under control in time. The flames crossed the ridge towards Vlyhada with the fire reaching the yards of homes. Another front moved during the night towards the Kandili firing range.

In the settlement of Nea Zoi, where houses burned yesterday, the authorities are on alert, due to fear of rekindling, while the fire is now moving towards Nea Peramos.

The settlements that are at risk and have been evacuated in the Municipality of Megara are Ano Vlychada, Platonas, Loutropyrgos and Othona and Eutaxia. to facilitate the work of firefighters and volunteers.

A firewall and fire protection zones have also been created in front of the Motor Oil refineries to keep the fire at bay.

They are currently talking about a safe distance.

07:39 The image that prevails on the fire fronts

According to the information provided by the Fire Department’s press representative, strong ground forces and 5 aircraft and 8 helicopters are operating in Western Attica from the air, one of which is coordinating action.

In Loutraki Panorama, which is quite a densely populated area, there are new revivals. On the other side of Perama, the fire front is moving towards the Isthmus of Corinth area, while at this time four aircraft and three helicopters are operating in Loutraki from the air, according to fire dept spokesperson Mr. Artopios.

In Rhodes, the fire is burning in the center of the island and 86 firefighters and 3 foo are working with 28 vehicles, while 3 aircraft and 3 helicopters are carrying out airdrops.

07:16 At 8.30am, a group of SYRIZA members led by the president of the parliamentary group Sokratis Famellos, will go to the affected areas of Saronikos municipality. ​ In Kouvara, Kalyvia, Lagonisi, Anavyssos and Saronida properties, as well as thousands of acres of forest, were reduced to ashes.

06:40 Vehicle traffic has been restored in the new E.O. Athens Corinth from Epidaurus junction to Agioi Theodori junction in the traffic flow towards Athens. In addition, in the new E.O. Athens Corinth from the junction of Agioi Theodoros to the junction of Epidaurus in the traffic flow towards Corinth, vehicle traffic is conducted from the left and middle traffic lanes, while the right traffic lane remains closed.

06:35 The situation, according to the fire brigade, is difficult. The firefighters are faced with a huge front of fire that moves uncontrollably from Derbenochoria to Mandra and to Nea Peramos. With the first light of day, aerial means also began to operate. The fire is now moving towards Nea Peramos.

06:10 The municipality of Loutraki – Perachora – Agioi Theodoros was declared in a state of emergency for six months.

There are many images of destruction in the area:

05:21 Hell in Panorama – The flames passed through the settlement

The flames passed through the Panorama settlement in Loutraki, reaching the perimeter road of the New National Road of Athens Corinth, on which vehicular traffic has been stopped.

It is unknown at this time the extent of the destruction in the settlement as it is night and no one can approach because of the fire.

This is expected to happen when dawn breaks and the fire front moves away.