New Wildfires in Ancient Corinth, Central Evia, Ancient Olympia

New wildfires broke out in Ancient Corinth and Central Evia areas, while they continue to rage in ancient Olympia, as firefighters battle to contain the flames.

A new wildfire broke out on Saturday afternoon in the area of Ancient Corinth. Air and ground forces are operating at the site, according to the Fire Brigade.

The fire that broke out in Ancient Corinth – as reported by the Fire Brigade – is burning in agroforestry land in the Fanaria area.

Twenty-four firefighters with 11 vehicles are operating at the scene, while five firefighting planes and two helicopters are dropping water from the air.

The Civil Protection Agency with a text sent from emergency number 112 called on the residents of Solomos community to evacuate and head to Chiliomodi.

According to Fire Brigade officials, in Ancient Olympia, large groups of firefighters are operating, reinforced by other firefighters from the European Civil Protection Mechanism.

In the area of ​​the Eastern Mani, ground forces of the Fire Brigade continue to operate in order to prevent any rekindling of previous blazes, while in the area of ​​Dryalia in Laconia, the fire that broke out on Friday afternoon is now considered partially contained.

Yet another wildfire on the island of Evia

A wildfire broke out in an agroforestry area in Petries, in central Evia early Saturday morning.

According to information from local news sites, the winds in the area are very strong, reaching level 8 on the Beaufort scale (32-38 miles per hour, or a moderate gale), making the efforts of firefighters and residents to extinguish the fire even more difficult.

According to officials from the Greek Fire Brigade, 24 firefighters are now operating at that new site with 12 vehicles, while two firefighting aircraft and a helicopter are also being used there in the firefighting effort.

This is the 12th consecutive day that idyllic Evia Island has been ravaged by wildfires, in the largest environmental catastrophe in Greek history.

The destruction on the island has been immense, with the entirety of the northern part now being almost completely destroyed. Communities, villages, and towns have been evacuated, some by ferry, others by the Coast Guard and yet more by personal vessels which were part of the effort.

“Our children will never see the environment and our land in the same way we saw it,” Istiaia – Aidipsos Mayor Giannis Kontzias told Greek Reporter in an interview this week.

Arson attempt in Athens suburb

Greek authorities have brought several people who were suspected of arson in the last few days in for questioning.

In addition, evidence has been found that at least some of the fires were set deliberately. Evidence such as fuel containers, gas canisters, matches and lighters — and incredibly, even magnifying glasses on dry branches in forests, have been found in the investigations.

An arson attempt in a wooded area near Mount Hymettus was reported on Saturday by Elliniko – Argyroupolis Mayor, Giannis Konstantatos.

In a post on social media, accompanied by photographs, the mayor said that a forest guard volunteer patrol found two gas canisters at the base of a pine tree, hidden under a pillow.

It was the second time in a week that volunteers have detected incendiary devices in the Argyroupolis forest, which is a cause for concern, the mayor wrote.

The mayor also thanked the volunteer teams that are now patrolling the municipality’s wooded areas round the clock.