Kymi-Aliveri

The intense thunderstorms that hit the island of Evia, central Greece, on Friday morning have caused four fires, the Fire Service said.

The blazes started in the municipalities of Kymi-Aliveri and Eretria. Thirty-five firefighters with 14 vehicles, three water bombers and one helicopter are at the scene, it added. 

An overnight battle with flames is being fought by ground firefighters in Evia, with the extinguishing work being hampered by strong winds blowing in the area.

The wildfire that broke out on Monday afternoon in eastern Evia, between the villages of Petries and Krieza, has expanded across three fronts.

With strong winds blowing in the area, the fire burns uncontrolled, prompting authorities to order the evacuation of the Petries settlement and to close parts of the road network.

The large fire raging between two villages in Evia has reached alarming proportions, with the fire brigade constantly reinforcing its ground and air forces and the Civil Protection sending four 112 messages.

The municipal authority of Kymi-Aliveri on Evia Island has sent a document to the police to address the presence of illegal campers at Thapsa Beach, following a viral photo that depicted the coast occupied by a large number of tents, it was reported on Wednesday. 

Concern seems to have been raised in Evia by the number of campers who chose to do free camping over the long weekend on one of the island’s most beautiful beaches.