A major wildfire broke out yesterday afternoon in Siviri, Halkidiki. The fire is now under control, with firefighters tackling scattered hotspots and remaining on alert for flare-ups.
The fire started at around 3 p.m. in low vegetation and prompted a major response, as the area was busy with summer tourists.
According to Kathimerini, the Fire Service is investigating the electrical grid as a possible cause. A tree reportedly fell onto power lines, causing a short circuit and sparks. The fire then spread rapidly into a pine forest.
A total of 227 firefighters, 57 vehicles, 13 ground crews, six firefighting planes and one helicopter are deployed in the area.
Homes were damaged and residents of Siviri and Fourka were evacuated following 112 emergency alerts, including by sea. Around 865 acres were burned. The full extent of the damage will be assessed once crews gain access to all affected areas.
Evacuations were difficult because there is only one main road out of the first peninsula of Halkidiki, causing long queues and traffic congestion.
Meanwhile, five areas of Greece face an “extreme” wildfire risk today, while the risk in Halkidiki is high to very high. The areas at extreme risk are Attica, Boeotia, Evia, Argolida and Corinthia.
Πηγές: Καθημερινή [1], [2], News 247
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