The large wildfire that broke out in Kouvaras, Attica, on Monday morning is showing signs of improvement, according to the latest update from the Fire Service. Strong ground and aerial forces are now focusing on several smouldering areas within the fire’s perimeter.
The blaze began shortly before 08:00 in low vegetation and prompted an immediate large-scale response as strong winds swept through an area close to homes and residential communities.
A poultry farm near the Agios Stylianos settlement was destroyed, while two businesses on the outskirts of the community were also damaged. The full extent of the destruction will be assessed once the fire has been extinguished.
Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas visited the area and was briefed on the firefighting operation.
Large firefighting operation
A total of 197 firefighters, seven teams from the 1st and 8th Special Forest Operations Units, volunteers and 42 vehicles were deployed.
Firefighters from France and Romania, stationed in Greece under the European pre-positioning programme, also joined the operation.
Two aircraft and seven helicopters were deployed from the air, with one helicopter coordinating aerial operations. The Municipality of Saronikos also provided water tankers.
Two emergency alerts issued
Authorities issued two emergency alerts through the 112 system. The first, sent at 08:10, warned people in the wider area about the fire.
At 08:30, residents of Agios Stylianos in Kouvaras were instructed to evacuate towards Kalyvia Thorikou.
Traffic diversions were also introduced on Souniou Avenue and Eleftheriou Venizelou Street.
Attica was placed under category four fire risk, indicating a very high danger of wildfires, with the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection warning of heightened conditions throughout the day.
Source: Athens-Macedonian News Agency
