Fires in Greece: Evacuations in holiday hotspots Zante, Kefalonia, Aetolia-Acarnania as multiple wildfires erupt
Multiple wildfires have erupted in holiday hotspots in Greece prompting evacuations, power outages, and large-scale firefighting efforts.
Firefighters in Greece have been battling several wildfires that broke out early Tuesday (12 August) in different parts of the country. In Kefalonia’s Argostoli area, a blaze erupted in low vegetation near Langada, triggering immediate deployment of 20 firefighters with eight vehicles, assisted by municipal water trucks.
Civil Protection sent emergency alerts advising residents in Faraklata, Dilinata, and Davgata to evacuate toward Myrtos. The fire also caused widespread power outages in several communities, including Lakithra, Atsoupades, and Skala.
Another major fire broke out in a forested area near Palaiampela, Vonitsa, in Aetolia-Acarnania. Twenty-one firefighters, seven vehicles, and a special forest operations unit were dispatched. An evacuation order was issued for residents of Varko to move toward Palaiampela.
On Zakynthos island, a fire in a forested area prompted rapid response with 20 firefighters, nine vehicles, two aircraft, and a helicopter. An alert warned the residents of Agala to evacuate to Keri. State-run news agency AMNA reported that authorities evacuated a hotel located in the Apelati area, just before Keri, as a precaution.
Spain, France, Bulgaria, Montenegro, Turkey, Hungary, Portugal and Greece face an intense brutal heatwave driving record temperatures and devastating wildfires. Authorities warn of escalating risks as the continent endures unprecedented heat and fire outbreaks.