On the Ilia front, the effort of the fire brigade to limit the horrific fire which swept the southern – mainly – part of the country and especially the Peloponnese and Central Greece on Friday.

As stated in the latest update by the representative of the Fire Department Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, the front that had broken out in the region of Achaia, was transferred to the prefecture of Ilia, where it has developed great momentum. Dozens of firefighters with vehicles and on foot are working on the huge fire front, which has caused great damage to homes and facilities, while many areas have been evacuated by residents, in order not to endanger human lives.

One man, however, aged about 55, died in Myrtia Ilias as we joined the firefighting efforts.

The battle with the flames, mainly in Ilia, will continue throughout the night, while with the first light of day, aerial means will also assist in the extinguishing.

The information of the Fire Department

Here is the detailed information from the representative of the Fire Department:

“Good evening from the Fire Department Operations Center

At this time, the picture is much improved in the dangerous fires that spread rapidly, with winds that in some cases exceeded 120 kilometers per hour and extended to settlements…

…. in Megalopolis of Arcadia, Lyrkeia of Argolis, Kefalonia, Neochori of Messinia, Rigani of Agrini, Kranidi of Argolis and Alpochori of Ilia.

In these fires, the firefighters, the civil protection forces, but also our volunteers, fought hard battles and are only facing scattered outbreaks.

26 messages have been sent from 112, of which 13 of them are about the fire that broke out at noon in the Mastrantoni area of ​​Achaia.

With the assistance of the Greek Police, many evacuations of citizens have been carried out in a safe direction.

The specific fire from Achaia spread to the Regional Unit of Ilia. It has developed great momentum and all forces are making superhuman efforts to contain it.

They are operating 120 firefighters with 4 teams of walking departments, 43 vehicles and periodically until the last light a total of 19 aerial vehicles will be operating. The assistance provided by volunteers as well as project machinery and water carriers of the Region of Western Greece is great.

We remind you that, according to the Fire Risk Forecast Map for tomorrow, Saturday, June 22, a very high risk of fire is predicted in Attica, Central Greece and the Peloponnese.

All Civil Protection forces remain on general alert in order to deal with the increased service demands that have arisen, but also due to the very high risk of fire predicted for tomorrow as well.

We emphasize that the danger posed by fires requires everyone’s attention.

In the event of a fire, the instructions of the competent authorities must be followed.

A newer update will follow for any development.

Over 60 fires on Friday

At least 64 fires broke out within a few hours, mainly in Central Greece and Peloponnese, on Friday, testing the endurance of the state machine, while there were dozens of messages from 112 to citizens for their protection.

The major fronts were in Ilia and Achaia. The 112 messages sent:

20:30. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the regions of Antoneika and Lata, move away towards Amaliada. Follow the instructions of the authorities
19:56. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the areas of Mazaraki, Prodromos, Simopoulos, Skliva, Vouliagmeni, Kalo Paidi & Laganas, move away towards Pyrgos. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
19:18. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the areas of Petraika, Apidoula and Mazaraki in Ilia, turn away towards Simopoulos. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
18:56. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the Skafidia and Agios Ilias areas in Ilia, turn away towards Pyrgos. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
18:49. 112 was activated for the areas of Valvi and Masouraika in Ilia, due to the fire that broke out near the community of Alpochorio of Pyrgos.
18:05. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the Myrtia and Skourochori areas of Ilia, move away towards Pyrgos. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
17:40. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the areas of Hanakia and Alpohori Ilia, turn away towards Pyrgos. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
17:30. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the areas of Kostopoulaika and Kalfa Achaia, move away towards Lata. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
17:30. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the Portes Achaia area, turn away towards Velitses. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
16:50. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the area of ​​Petrothalassa Argolida, turn away towards Ermioni. Follow the instructions of the authorities.
16:50. Forest Fire in your area. If you are in the Galaro area of ​​Achaia, turn away towards Portes. Follow the instructions of the authorities