A wildfire sparked in a forested area near Petries, Evia, late Monday continues to rage unchecked, officials say.
Firefighting crews have been working tirelessly throughout the night to contain the blaze, which has been fueled by strong northern winds. The current focus is the area between the settlements of Petries, Krieza, and Alonia.
Over 200 firefighters, supported by volunteers, water tankers, and heavy machinery, are currently battling the flames. A fireboat has been deployed as a precaution, and the Hellenic Coast Guard is on standby.
Air support, including 16 aircraft and 10 helicopters, is expected to join the firefighting effort at dawn.
The fire's rapid spread sparked the evacuation of nearby villages, including Krieza, Koskina, and Petries.There have been no reports of injuries or property damage, and the Dystos Lake wetland has been protected.
Vassilis Kikilias, the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, is on-site coordinating the response.
Fire service spokesman Vasilis Vathrakogiannis emphasized that protecting human life and settlements has been the top priority from the beginning. He assured the public that all civil protection forces are working tirelessly to contain the wildfire.