Evros deputy governor Dimitris Petrovic said there are strong winds of 6 to 7 Beaufort, sometimes gusts of 8 Beaufort, and it is difficult to control the fronts
Despite the strong forces of the fire brigade, and the assistance of residents and local agencies, the fire fronts in Alexandroupoli seem to they are no longer limited to two.
“There are resurgences in Nipsa and Doric, there is a high thermal load… The direction of the wind is constantly changing” the deputy governor of Evros pointed out to SKAI 100.3 Dimitris Petrovich, warning that the situation it is very difficultwith many foci.
Mr. Petrovich stated that there are strong winds of 6 to 7 Beaufort, sometimes gusts of 8 Beaufortand it is difficult to control the fronts, which worries the authorities.
As emphasized by the fire department on the front which worries the most is north of Alexandroupoli, towards Nipsa.
The authorities earlier decided to evacuate fifth settlement on Sunday. It is about for the settlement of Avantas. “If you are in the settlement of Avantas, move away towards Alexandroupoli” is emphasized in the 112 message.
Firefighting forces were further reinforced
The forces that are now operating there are 198 firefighters with 59 vehicles, 10 groups of infantry divisions, 11 aircraft, six helicopters. At the same time, strong forces of the army, the Region and the municipalities and many volunteers are helping.
Voluntary firefighters, ELAS forces, as well as water tankers and machinery from the Greek Army and local authorities are assisting in the extinguishing work. 25 patrol cars, 5 two-wheelers and 55 police officers are available at the fire.
As it became known from GEETHAin the firefighting operation, the Armed Forces are assisting: 4 CL-415 firefighting aircraft, 1 PZL, 2 groups of 20 people from the XENOKRATES project, 2 groups of 10 people from the DEFKALIA project, earth movers to create fire zones, water vehicles, tankers and utility vehicles.
⚠️ Activation 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣
🆘 If you are in the settlement #Avantas move away towards #Alexandroupoli
🔥 Forest fire in your area
‼️ Follow the instructions of the authorities
ℹ️ https://t.co/kexUnlnGMV@pyrosvestiki@hellenicpolice
— 112 Greece (@112Greece) August 20, 2023
New messages from 112 were sent earlier to the residents of the Monastiraki, Doriskos areas to move away to Feres. Also, a message was sent to the residents of the Amfitritis and Maistro settlements to move away towards Alexandroupoli.
⚠️ Activation 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣
🆘 If you are in the area #Monastiraki & #Doriskos move away towards #Feres
🔥 Forest fire in your area
‼️ Follow the instructions of the authorities
ℹ️ https://t.co/kexUnlnGMV@pyrosvestiki@hellenicpolice
— 112 Greece (@112Greece) August 20, 2023
Speaking in the morning to SKAI 100.3, the representative of the Fire Department John Baker reported that strong winds of 6 to 7 Beaufort are blowing in the area and pushing the fronts of the fire towards the sea. According to Mr. Artopioros, a great resurgence is also taking place on the southern front of the settlement of Nipsa, where the traffic in Egnatia was interrupted again due to the dense smoke.
Previously, a message was sent from 112 to the residents of Alexandroupoli to stay indoors with closed windows and doors due to the smoke of the large fire.
The message reads: “Alexandroupoli, a forest fire is developing, smoke is moving towards your area. Stay indoors, close windows and doors.”
⚠️ Activation 1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣
🔥 A forest fire is developing. The fumes are directed to your area.
❗️Stay indoors
❗️Close doors & windows
Self-protection instructions ℹ️ https://t.co/kexUnlnGMV@pyrosvestiki@hellenicpolice
— 112 Greece (@112Greece) August 20, 2023
New traffic stop at Egnatia Odo Kipon – Alexandroupoli came into effect due to the fire that broke out in the area of Melia. As announced by the General Regional Police Directorate of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace, traffic was stopped from the height of the Ardani junction to the height of the Alexandroupoli Industrial Area (BI.PE.) junction.
Vehicular traffic is diverted through it Feron – Alexandroupolis National Road.
Bus schedules C682/C683 (Alexandroupoli – Ormenio) are completely canceled by order of the Traffic Police due to the fire in the area of Alexandroupoli, as reported by Hellenic Train.
The Copernicus system has been activated
At the behest of the General Secretary of Civil Protection, the Planning and Emergency Management Directorate of the General Secretariat of Civil Protection, as the National Contact Point, activated the Copernicus/Emergency Management Service – Mapping of the European Union.
The purpose of the activation is the production of cartographic products and data for areas of the Municipality of Alexandroupolis of the Regional Unit of Evros, which were affected by a fire that occurred on Saturday 19 August to assist the work of the agencies involved in dealing with emergencies and managing the consequences of the phenomenon .
The request was accepted by the European Union (activation code EMSR686) and the availability of a series of cartographic data and products resulting from the analysis of satellite images is expected immediately.
The battle with the flames in the settlement of Loutros started at night, which was surrounded by the fire that passed through the yards of houses.
The Fire Department forces managed to limit it, opening large fire zones towards the airport and Alexandroupoli, with the machines of the army and the Region and making a barrier with fire trucks and with the assistance of volunteers, OTA forces and the army.
Source: Skai
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