Wildfire in Petries, Evia: Road closures and 4 emergency messages issued via 112

Firefighting efforts continue for the blaze that erupted on Monday in a forested area of Petries, Evia. According to Fire Department, the fire started around 15:17 in a forest area between the villages of Petries and Krieza in the municipality of Kimi - Aliveri. At the scene, northern winds are blowing at a force of 4 Beaufort with gusts reaching 7 Beaufort.

Fire Department reports that efforts are focused between the settlements of Petries and Krieza, as well as south of the village of Petries towards the Dystos plain. The situation, however, has improved compared to earlier in the day.

Due to the fire, police have temporarily halted vehicle traffic on the Lepoura-Karystos road from Krieza to Koskina, as well as on the Petries-Agioi Apostoloi road. Drivers are advised to exercise extreme caution in these areas and follow the directions of traffic officers.

Firefighting forces have been further reinforced, with 120 firefighters, two ground units, 36 vehicles, 16 aircraft and 8 helicopters now battling the blaze. Additional support includes water trucks from local authorities and construction equipment from the Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA). Furthermore, 53 firefighters with four ground units and 10 vehicles are arriving by ferry from Agia Marina, along with a firefighting boat from Piraeus.

Coast Guard has also been informed and Hellenic Police (ELAS) forces have been deployed in the area to assist in the evacuation of residents. Coordination of all forces is being managed from the Mobile Operations Center OLYMPOS. Four emergency messages have been sent via 112 to residents in the wider area.