Kouvaras wildfire triggers evacuations and damages businesses in Attica FAST-MOVING
A major wildfire broke out in the Kouvaras area of Attica, southeast of Athens, on Monday morning. The fire, fueled by winds exceeding 70 km/h, spread quickly through low vegetation and toward mountainous terrain, prompting the 112 emergency service to issue evacuation orders for the village of Agios Stylianos, directing residents toward Kalyvia Thorikou.
The blaze caused significant damage to local businesses, including a poultry farming unit and a warehouse. To combat the fire, a large-scale operation was deployed involving approximately 197 firefighters, 7 hiking teams, and 42 vehicles. International assistance was provided through the European program for pre-positioning firefighters, including 23 personnel and 4 vehicles from France and 24 personnel and 5 vehicles from Romania. Aerial support included two planes and seven helicopters.
Preliminary investigations by the Fire Service's Arson Crimes Directorate (DAEE) suggest the fire may have been triggered by sparks from low-voltage power cables contacting each other due to strong winds. Authorities have secured the area for further scientific examination. Traffic on Lavriou Avenue was also interrupted due to the incident.
Entities
112 Greece · Agios Stylianos · Ardani · Ardanis · Ardeni · Attica · DEDDIE · Dimitris Papachristou · Evangelos Tournas · Fire Service · Fire Service of Greece · Greek Fire Service
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The prohibition applies to a 100-meter radius around a specific point in the sea.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Swimming and all maritime activities are prohibited in a specific part of the Ardanis area.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Boat traffic and anchoring of recreational vessels are banned in the restricted zone.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Old munitions were discovered in the Ardanis area of Karpathos.
- [● 3 SOURCES] The ban remains in effect until further notice.
- [● 5 SOURCES] Violators of the ban face sanctions under the Public Maritime Law Code.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Two firefighting helicopters collided in mid-air in the Psatha region. www.yenikalem.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Residents of Agios Stylianos were evacuated as a precaution due to advancing fires. www.gazetebirlik.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Only 645 million euros, or 1.8%, of the 36 billion euro 'Greece 2.0' program is allocated to firefighting equipment and infrastructure. www.paron.gr · www.militaire.gr
- [● 2 SOURCES] France provided 23 firefighters and 4 vehicles, while Romania provided 24 firefighters and 5 vehicles to support firefighting efforts. www.gazetebirlik.com · trafficnews.bg
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Satellite data indicates wildfires have affected more than 5,700 hectares of land. www.yenikalem.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] There are 73 active forest fires across mainland Greece and its islands. www.yenikalem.com