Wildfires force evacuations in Greece

Bill Gabbert
July 5, 2019

3-D map two wildfires Greek Island Evia — 3-D map of two wildfires on the Greek Island of Evia. Data via Copernicus.

(UPDATED at 3:43 p.m. MDT July 5, 2019)

Multiple wildfires are burning on the Greek island of Evia, requiring the evacuation of Makrichori, Neochori, Dafni, Gavalas, and Lofiskos. (See the map above)

Two additional fires were reported late Thursday night, officials said, and another Friday afternoon, to bring the total to four.

According to the Fire Service, resources assigned to the fires include 330 personnel with 100 vehicles, 8 water-dropping airplanes, and40 helicopters.

Officials said a 64-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of starting the first fire by using a naked flame to burn dried weeds near his house. The man will appear before a prosecutor in court Friday.

The fires are burning approximately 55 k (34 miles) north-northeast of Athens.

Greece Fires Map — The red dots represent heat on the Greek island of Evia detected by a satellite, July 5, 2019.

In July, 2018 a 1,276-Ha (3,153-acre) fire burned from Kallitechnoulopis, Greece through Neos Voutzas and Rafina, reaching Mati where it finally stopped at the coast.The fire killed at least 91 people and destroyed 1,220 structures.