AN ENORMOUS FIRE IS BURNING A FOREST IN CENTRAL EVIA

The Island of Evia

The Fire Fighters in Evia

Fighting Against Despair 

Since the very early hours of the day, an enormous fire is burning a Natura forest in Central Evia.  A monastery and the residents of the villages, Platania, Makrimalli and Stavros had to be evacuated by force, leaving the chapel and their homes surrounded by flames. 


The residents are absolutely certain that the fire was caused by arson.   Who could have possibly committed such an abominable crime?  A mentally disturbed person, a totally evil one or someone with political connotations? 

 

On the other hand, men of fire brigades from all over Greece are fighting the fire with bravery, despite the extremely strong winds that are blowing.  Soldiers are cutting down trees, to create safety zones.  Helicopter pilots, while risking their own lives, are throwing seawater, desperately trying to extinguish the fury of the fire that is, unfortunately, raging beyond control.  The police are making countless efforts to convince people to evacuate their homes and umpteen volunteers are helping enormously, doing what they are instructed to do.    We wish to sincerely thank all those who through their heroic deeds have helped to minimize the results of this large ecological disaster.

 

The Prime Minister, Kyriakos Mitsotakis, has asked for the aid of the European Union for extra helicopters and Canadairs.  Italy and Croatia are the first to respond to this request, whom we thank with all our heart for their efficient, methodical and, especially, prompt reaction. 


The blue skies of Attica are grey with smoke and the air is thick with burnt particles that, occasionally, makes it difficult to breathe.  The residents are advised to stay indoors with the windowpanes shut, in order to avoid the pollution created by the smoke.

Reinforcements to Fight the Flames Sent to Greece by Italy