How the Major Loutraki Wildfire Broke Out – 100 Firefighters and Aerial Resources Deployed

A major wildfire that broke out on Monday afternoon (June 8) in Loutraki has triggered a large-scale emergency response, with firefighting forces battling flames burning through a pine forest in the Perachora area.

The fire is located at a relatively safe distance from the few scattered homes in the vicinity, but authorities launched a major operation from the outset due to the fire’s intensity and the area’s dense vegetation.

A total of 106 firefighters, supported by 30 fire engines, three aircraft, five helicopters, and two specialized ground teams, have been deployed to contain the blaze.

Shortly after 4:00 p.m., residents received an emergency alert via Greece’s 112 emergency service, warning:

“Forest fire in the Perachora area of the Regional Unit of Corinthia. Remain on alert and follow the instructions of the authorities.”
Despite the fire’s strong momentum, conditions on the front line have slightly improved, with firefighters making significant efforts to bring the blaze under control.

Speaking to ERTNews’ NewsRoom programme, Kostas Tsigas, President of the Association of Fire Service Officers, stressed that the immediate priority remains the complete extinguishing of the fire. He noted that substantial resources have been mobilized not only from Corinthia but also from Attica, Achaea, and other parts of the Peloponnese.

He highlighted the crucial role of aerial firefighting assets, explaining that all available aircraft in the region were deployed to reduce the fire’s heat intensity and assist ground crews. According to Mr Tsigas, access to parts of the fire front is extremely difficult due to the lack of roads for firefighting vehicles. As a result, ground teams are transporting water through extensive hose networks laid deep within the forest.

Referring to the area around Lake Vouliagmeni, he noted that the fire is burning near a settlement, prompting authorities to issue the precautionary 112 alert and place residents on heightened standby.

Meanwhile, firefighters have created firebreaks around nearby settlements and the wider Lake Vouliagmeni area in an effort to halt the fire’s advance and ensure access routes for emergency vehicles.

Initial Findings on the Cause of the Fire

A team from the Directorate for Arson Crime Investigation (DAEE) has been dispatched to the scene on the orders of the Fire Service Chief to investigate the cause of the wildfire.

According to the Fire Service, preliminary findings suggest that the blaze may have started during vegetation-clearing work involving a brush cutter fitted with a metal blade.

As a result, authorities indicated that an arrest is expected under Greece’s summary legal procedure for offences committed in flagrante delicto.

Loutraki Mayor: Situation Improving, Fire May Be Contained Within Hours

Loutraki Mayor Giorgos Gkionis, speaking to ERT, said the situation had improved significantly following the reinforcement of aerial resources.

“Fortunately, the winds are not particularly strong. The aerial assets have been reinforced and the picture is already better. We hope the fire will be brought under control within the next few hours.”
Asked whether homes were at risk, Mr Gkionis acknowledged that there are residences near the affected area but said there are currently no reports indicating any immediate threat.

Regarding the cause of the wildfire, the mayor said it is still too early to draw conclusions. He noted, however, that an initial fire front appeared first and that another emerged about 400 metres away shortly afterwards, “possibly due to burning pine cones,” as he suggested.