Fierce battle with flames in the area Melia of Alexandroupoli are currently providing strong firefighting forces, which have also been reinforced by Athens. A little while ago, a new 112 message was sent to the residents of Alexandroupolis to remain in their homes due to the suffocating atmosphere from the smoke of the large fire raging in the area. At the same time, it refers citizens to a website for self-protection instructions.

We are fighting against time before it gets dark, the wind constantly changes direction, the mayor of Alexandroupolis told SKAI 100.3 Yannis Zamboukis.. We have evacuated small and large communities, there are enough people. There are too many fronts. Reinforcements keep coming. The atmosphere in the city due to the smoke is very difficult, he noted.

We also evacuated the SOS children’s village with 19 children and six adults, he said in a previous connection.

The number of firefighters increased to 135 who are attempting to extinguish the fire in Alexandroupoli, with 28 of them having arrived at the scene by air from Attica, according to the Fire Brigade. In addition, 31 firefighting water vehicles and nine pedestrian units are operating at the scene, while seven aircraft and two helicopters are assisting from the air.

There had been three 112 messages for the evacuation of a total of eight settlements. It is about the settlements Anthia, bathroom, Agnatian, Aristocratic, Doric, Nipsa, Aetochori and Pefka.

As announced by the Municipality, all the residents of the areas that have been evacuated in an organized manner will be transferred to the Alexandroupolis multi-community where they will be welcomed by the relevant services of the municipality and the Red Cross.

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We are fighting against time before it gets dark, the wind constantly changes direction, the mayor of Alexandroupolis told SKAI 100.3 Yannis Zamboukis.. We have evacuated small and large communities, there are enough people. There are too many fronts. Reinforcements keep coming. The atmosphere in the city is also very difficult.

We also evacuated the SOS children’s village with 19 children and six adults, he said in a previous connection.

It is recalled that the fire broke out at dawn in a wooded area in the area of ​​Melia Alexandroupolis, near the Ferry Port of Evros and because it was heading south towards Egnatia Street, temporary traffic regulations were put into effect.

In particular, temporary traffic regulations apply in Egnatia Garden Road – Alexandroupolis and traffic has essentially been stopped in the section from the height of the Ardani junction to that of the Industrial Area (BI.PE.) Alexandroupoli junction in both traffic streams.

Vehicle traffic is being diverted via the Feron-Alexandroupoli National Road, while drivers and citizens are requested – for their safety – to be particularly careful and comply with the instructions of the police.

In a statement, the ELAS Headquarters states that the Police are fully alert and ready, while immediately, after the fire started, 21 Policemen were deployed, with 12 vehicles, led by the Director of the Alexandroupoli Police Department.

A previous message from 112 called on the residents of Melia, Nipsa, Pefka and Loutros to be ready.

The situation is critical, Yannis Zamboukis said earlier to our station,

The fire started by lightning at 4.30 in the morning, it takes a different direction depending on the direction of the wind, explained the mayor of Alexandroupolis.

He noted that the evacuations are done for preventive reasons, organized and there is cooperation of the residents with the authorities.

Mr. Zaboukis mentioned that in Aetochori the fire approached a monastery, however he clarified that no one was in danger.