Firefighters continued battling a major wildfire on the Greek island of Paros overnight and into Wednesday, with authorities strengthening resources on the ground and by air as concerns grow over the possibility of stronger winds.
The blaze, which broke out on Tuesday afternoon, remains active, prompting multiple evacuations and a large-scale emergency response.
Nine settlements evacuated
Authorities have ordered the evacuation of nine settlements following four successive emergency alerts issued through Greece's 112 warning system.
Early on Wednesday, residents were instructed to leave Trypiti, Glyfa, Pyrgaki and Aspro Chorio and head towards Drios. Earlier, an evacuation order had also been issued for Angeiria towards Alyki beach.
The settlements of Agios Charalambos, Kampi, Bougados, Aneratza and Kamari had already been evacuated on Tuesday.
Ground and air resources deployed
According to the latest update from the Greek Fire Service, 66 firefighters, including four forest commando teams from Athens' 1st EMODE, are operating at the fire front with 16 fire engines.
At first light, seven aircraft joined the operation:
- Two firefighting planes;
- Five helicopters, including one coordinating aerial operations.
Additional aerial assets may be deployed if conditions require.
Volunteers are also assisting firefighting efforts, while the Municipality of Paros has deployed two water tankers and heavy machinery. Overall coordination of the operation has been assigned to the Deputy Chief of the Fire Service.
Reinforcements on the way
Ground forces are continuing to be reinforced, with an additional 20 firefighters and eight fire engines scheduled to arrive by ferry from Rafina.
High fire risk remains
Paros has been placed in Category 3 (High Risk) on Greece's Fire Risk Forecast Map for Wednesday, 29 July, with authorities remaining on heightened alert until the blaze is brought under control.
