Greece: Emergency crews responding to wildfires in Attica and Crete as of July 15

Event

Emergency crews are responding to wildfires burning in the Attica Region and Crete as of July 15. The fires have broken out amid dry and windy conditions across many parts of Greece. Due to the prevailing conditions, the General Secretariat of Civil Protection issued a warning July 15 due to an increased fire risk across parts of Attica, Central Greece, Crete, the Noth Aegean Islands, and the Peloponnese.

One fire broke out in the Feriza area of Saronikos Municipality in Attica Region early July 15. More than 90 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Residents of Feriza and Agios Panteleimonas on the outskirts of Anavyssos have been advised to evacuate to Lagonisi.

Another fire broke out July 15 in Agios Vasileios Municipality in Crete's Rethymno Region. The fire is located between Kryas Vrysis and Orne. More than 50 personnel are on-site battling the blaze. Residents in the village of Orne have been advised to evacuate.

Authorities will likely keep affected areas cordoned off to vehicular and pedestrian traffic as crews work to extinguish the blaze; 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.

Advice

Avoid affected areas. Heed all evacuation orders. Seek updated information on road conditions if driving near affected areas; road closures and detours will probably cause traffic congestion and delays. Individuals not under evacuation warnings should consider remaining inside well-ventilated, air-conditioned spaces to reduce exposure to smoke. Charge battery-powered devices in case of prolonged power outages.