At least three homes have been destroyed and around 1,000 people evacuated as a large wildfire swept through the Palaia Fokaia region in Attica, Greece, on Thursday. The fire, which began shortly after midday in an area with scattered homes, forced the evacuation of five settlements via multiple emergency alerts.
The wildfire erupted between Thymari and Palaia Fokaia at around 12:30 p.m., spreading quickly through residential zones due to strong winds. The first 112 evacuation alert was issued at 12:55, with additional messages urging residents to leave Tourkolimano, Katafygi, Charakas and Triantafyllia throughout the afternoon.
Eyewitness footage showed flames reaching homes as residents fought to protect properties using garden hoses. At least three houses were completely destroyed, with ten more suffering damage, alongside the loss of three vehicles.
Firefighters, police, and civil defence teams worked through the day to evacuate residents. Approximately 40 people were rescued by police from homes under threat or filled with smoke. Overall, an estimated 1,000 residents were relocated from danger zones.
The fire has since entered a less active phase, with remaining flames contained to a hillside near Triantafyllia, currently away from residential areas. However, fire crews remain on alert through the night due to small flare-ups.
Firefighting forces included:
- 90 firefighters with 28 vehicles
- 3 specialised ground teams
- 8 aircraft and 5 helicopters
- Fireboats and navy support along the coast
- Support from military, local authorities, and volunteers
Mayor Dimitris Loukas of Lavreotiki said the terrain made ground efforts difficult, and aerial firefighting was critical to containing the blaze. Mayor Dimitris Papachristou of Saronikos later confirmed there were no active fronts in the settlements, with only residual hotspots remaining.
The cause of the fire is under investigation, with the arson crimes division dispatched to the scene. The EKAV emergency medical service remains on standby, although no injuries have been reported.
Authorities have also closed the Athens–Sounio coastal road to protect the public and ensure emergency access.
Also read: Chios wildfire under control after destroying 60,000 acres
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