Greece: Wildfire prompts localized evacuations in Aetolia-Acarnania, Western Greece Region, as of Aug. 5

Emergency crews are responding to a wildfire in the Aetolia-Acarnania area of Western Greece Region as of Aug. 5. The fire broke out in a forested area near the settlement of Prodromos at around 12:00 Aug. 5. Around 32 firefighting personnel have been deployed to extinguish the blaze. Authorities have ordered residents of Prodromos to evacuate toward Gouriotissa due to the threat of the fire. Further wildfire growth is possible over the coming hours and days.

The fire could cause power outages and disruptions to transport and business in the area. The status of roads can change over the coming hours and days; authorities could close additional routes within the fire complex and evacuate more communities due to fire activity and response operations needs. Traffic disruptions are also likely during reentry periods after authorities lift evacuation orders. Low visibility from smoke and possible ashfall could contribute to traffic delays and congestion in the region.

Smoke from the fire may also noticeably worsen air quality in the area over the short term. Smoke from fires is a mixture of gases and fine particles from burning trees, plants, and possibly building materials. Such smoke can hurt the eyes, irritate the respiratory system, and worsen chronic heart and lung diseases. Smoke may also worsen symptoms for people with preexisting respiratory conditions, such as allergies, asthma, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).