Greece: Emergency crews responding to wildfires in the Peloponnese Region as of June 21

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

Authorities have issued evacuation orders for Douka Vrisi and Kefalovriso communities in the Argolis region due to a wildfire that broke out in a mountainous area above Lyrkeia just before noon June 21. Around 45 firefighters are on site tackling the blaze. Another fire broke out around noon near Megalopolis in the Arcadia Region; authorities have issued evacuation orders for the villages of Apiditsa, Choremi, and Khrousa. The fire has reportedly passed through at least two villages; however, the extent of the damage has not been confirmed. Around 30 firefighters are on site tackling the blaze.

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 needs of 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.