Key facts
- A large wildfire is burning on the Greek island of Paros for a second day.
- Villages and ten areas have been evacuated due to the blaze.
- 66 firefighters, supported by aircraft and ground crews, are engaged in firefighting operations.
- Strong winds are exacerbating the fire, creating new outbreaks.
- The fire broke out on Tuesday in the Kampi area and spread rapidly.
A significant wildfire is continuing to rage on the Greek island of Paros for a second day, forcing the evacuation of residents and visitors from ten areas. Firefighting crews are battling the blaze on multiple fronts, primarily on the southern and southeastern parts of the island, which is a popular tourist destination.
The operation was significantly reinforced at first light on Wednesday after the fire reignited overnight. Authorities have issued successive evacuation orders. The primary concern for officials is the strong northerly winds, which are hampering ground crews' access and carrying embers over long distances, leading to new outbreaks.
The fire initially broke out on Tuesday afternoon in the Kampi area, near the island's landfill site, burning rubbish and low vegetation. It quickly spread through dry grass, farmland, and rugged terrain. Although largely contained by late Tuesday afternoon, the fire flared up again after aerial operations were suspended for the night. During the night, the fire front advanced towards Agkairia and Trypiti, with reports of a second front moving towards Faragas beach. Apianes hill and large areas along the road to the Monastery of Agioi Theodoroi were also affected, and power outages impacted a large part of southern Paros.
Four emergency alerts were issued from Tuesday afternoon into early Wednesday morning, directing people from various areas to move towards Aliki or Dryos. Paros deputy mayor for civil protection, Christos Giourtzidis, noted that some residents initially refused to leave their homes to stay with their animals, and at least two livestock facilities have been destroyed.
Currently, 66 firefighters, including four forest commando teams, are operating with 16 fire engines. Two aircraft and five helicopters are involved in aerial support, with additional assets on standby. Ground forces have been bolstered by reinforcements from Attica, Syros, Naxos, and Piraeus, with more firefighters expected from Rafina. Volunteers, water tankers, and heavy machinery from the Municipality of Paros are also assisting. The deputy chief of the Fire Service is overseeing the overall coordination.
The fire is burning in ravines and difficult-to-access areas. Fire Service deputy spokesman Giannis Artopios described the blaze as "difficult" due to the northerly winds, which are creating spot fires and new fronts. Firefighters are conducting continuous water drops and damping-down operations, and are expected to remain on the island until the fires are fully contained. Mayor Konstantinos Bizas warned that winds could strengthen further, with gusts potentially reaching 8 on the Beaufort scale. Paros is currently classified as having a high danger of wildfire (risk category 3). The Arson Crime Investigation Unit has been activated to investigate the causes of the fire, for which no information has yet been released.