The fire in Amari and Agios Vasilios of Rethymno remains uncontrollable, with the powerful firefighting forces fighting against time, the night and the flames. The fire broke out at noon on Wednesday, in a grassy area in the settlement of Chordaki Amariou and quickly took on dimensions.

They fight the flames 190 firefighters, 10 groups of hikers, 45 vehicles, while 30 forest commandos from Athens were also recruited in the efforts. The 2 aircraft and 5 helicopters involved in the firefighting were withdrawn as the sun set. Reinforcements are expected on Thursday.

The fire fronts are located in Agia Paraskevi in ​​the municipality of Amario, in Agios Ioannis Amario and the fire is heading towards Agia Galini, as the head of civil protection of the regional unit of Rethymno Michalis Sarris told APE-MPE.

On the opposite side, the fronts concern the ‘Ano Meros Amariou, Chordaki Amariou and Orne Agios Vassiliou. An important development for the fronts of the fire is the fact that the village and settlement of Agia Paraskevi, this time he is saved, as characteristically mentioned by Mr. Sarris, while informing at the same time that hundreds of olive trees, agricultural and grassland areas have been burned, with the firefighters catching the flames, measures, as characteristically he told APE-MPE, before invading the village of Agia Paraskevi.

Characteristic of the situation are the video images from the area presented by Cretalive, as a huge hillside that was full of large olive trees, has been reduced to coal. There are now hundreds of outbreaksas the area is full of “candles” that in case the winds increase things will become even more difficult.

190 firefighters with 10 forest commando groups, 45 water-borne fire trucks have been thrown into the extinguishing operation, while two airplanes and five fire-fighting helicopters operated from the air throughout the day. It is noted that around 20:00 on Wednesday night, 32 forest commanders left by air from Athens in order to assist in the whole operation, while at the first light of the day they are expected at the scene, according to information and other firefighting forces.

photo from goodnet.gr

According to a first estimate, the damage to production – in crops, livestock and bees – is huge, but it is too early for an official tally. The concern of the authorities in any case is that human lives are not endangered.

Agia - Paraskevi
photo from goodnet.gr

The fire front is very large and broke up due to strong winds. The fire started from Chordaki in the Municipality of Amari, quickly grew in size and moved to the Upper Part of the Municipality of Agios Vassiliou to then split into three fronts, Ano Meros, Agios Ioannis and Nithauri.

It is recalled that 112 has been activated for the large fire with messages for evacuation of areas and preparedness. In fact, with the assistance of the police, as reported by information from Cretalive15 elderly residents of Agia Paraskevi, gathered in the church of Agios Stylianos and were safely removed from the village.

The flames reached the houses of the settlement of Agia Paraskevi, for this reason its evacuation was requested. In fact, with the assistance of the police, 15 elderly residents gathered in the church of Agios Stylianos and were safely evacuated.

Earlier, a 112 message was sent to residents to stay alert and follow the instructions of the authorities.

112

The fire, as stated to APE-MPE by mayor of Agios Vassiliou, Yiannis Tatarakis, started from Amari and went up to the Municipality of Agios Vassiliou. According to the Fire Department, the fire is burning in an impassable ravine as well as on a slope where the firefighters can operate more easily.

He also emphasized that Crete should have a permanent helicopter base, because it is constantly proven how important their participation is for the immediate demarcation and extinguishing of a fire, when they are quickly called to participate in firefighting.