Greece: Emergency crews responding to multiple wildfires in the Peloponnese Peninsula as of June 21 /update 1

As of June 21, emergency crews are responding to several wildfires burning across parts of the Peloponnese Peninsula. Multiple fires have broken out amid an ongoing heatwave, causing a heightened fire risk across much of Greece; further wildfire growth is possible over the coming hours.

Some fires have led to authorities issuing evacuation orders for surrounding areas. One of the fires of greatest concern is burning near Kranidi in the Argolis region. Evacuation orders have been issued for Kranidi and Petrothalassa Argolis, and authorities advised residents to evacuate toward Porto Heli and Ermioni. The fire reportedly entered Kranidi in the late afternoon of June 21. More than 500 firefighters are on site tackling the blaze.

Another fire is burning near Pyrgos in the Elis region. Several surrounding communities, including Aplochori, Hanakia, Myrtia, and Skourochori, have been evacuated. The fire has closed the road between Pyrgos and Patras. Additionally, another fire in the Achaia region has forced the evacuation of several villages, including Galaro and Panousaika.

Authorities also issued evacuation orders for Douka Vrisi and Kefalovriso communities in the Argolis region due to a wildfire in a mountainous area above Lyrkeia. Another fire broke out near Megalopolis in the Arcadia Region; authorities have issued evacuation orders for Apiditsa, Choremi, and Khrousa villages. The fire has reportedly passed through at least two villages; however, the extent of the damage has not been confirmed. Several other fires have broken out across the region, and authorities have issued evacuation warnings advising communities to prepare to evacuate in some areas.

Authorities will likely keep affected areas cordoned off to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as crews work to extinguish the blazes; the status of nearby roads will probably change over the coming hours. The fire and the emergency response may cause localized business disruptions. Authorities could evacuate additional communities due to fire activity and the need for response operations. Low visibility from smoke and ashfall could also contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region and may disrupt operations at nearby airfields.