A sea evacuation is currently underway to rescue around 500 residents and visitors trapped by a wildfire that broke out earlier today in the coastal settlement of Agios Vasileios, Viotia, on the Gulf of Corinth. Coast Guard vessels, Fire Service boats, and private craft—including local fishing boats—are assisting in the rescue efforts.
People have gathered at the local port, where they are being picked up by sea and transported to the nearby Livadostrata beach. Conditions on the ground are suffocating, as strong winds continuously blow thick smoke toward the sea.
Πύρινος εφιάλτης στη Βοιωτία: Εγκλωβισμένοι στην παραλία Αγίου Βασιλείου και εκκένωση μέσω θαλάσσης
🎥Star Κεντρικής Ελλάδας pic.twitter.com/MmkOiftAHz
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A spokesperson for the Region of Central Greece said that the fire has completely encircled the settlement. Flames blocked the main paved road, and an earlier attempt to evacuate residents via an unpaved dirt road proved impossible. Authorities report that in addition to permanent residents, several visitors were in the area, as two to three tour buses had arrived earlier in the morning.
Δραματική εικόνα από τη φωτιά στη Βοιωτία – Ανεξέλεγκτο το μέτωπο pic.twitter.com/zfC6BFLFvJ
— SKAI.gr (@skaigr) July 31, 2026
Related: Crete Wildfire Battle Intensifies as Strong Winds Hamper Efforts
Regional officials confirmed that at least 200 people had been safely evacuated by 2:30 PM, with expectations to transport approximately 100 more.
The ongoing rescue is being coordinated by the Hellenic Coast Guard Operations Center to ensure the safe transfer of everyone along the coastline. Joint efforts are being carried out by the Coast Guard, the Fire Service, the Region of Central Greece, and the local municipality.
Εφιαλτικές εικόνες στη Βοιωτία: Κάτοικοι εγκαταλείπουν τα σπίτια τους μέσα σε πυκνούς καπνούς – Δεκάδες αναζητούν σωτηρία
— Athens Magazine (@AthensMagazine) July 31, 2026
Deployments at the scene currently include five private vessels, a tugboat, and a Fire Service vessel, while an additional Coast Guard patrol boat and Fire Service vessel are en route.
This is a developing story
Related:
Three Firefighters Die as Wildfires Rage Across Greece, Thousands Evacuated on Crete
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