Western Attica wildfire rages for fifth day scorching more than 130,000 stremmas

The large-scale firefighting operation against the fires that broke out in Boeotia and spread to Western Attica is entering its fifth day, with firefighting forces engaged in an unrelenting battle on multiple fronts.

The situation on the fire fronts appeared improved during the early hours of Tuesday morning (4/8), although ground forces remained on full alert after another night of battling the flames.

Efforts are focused on three areas: the northern-northeastern section opposite Psatha, within the triangle formed by Agia Paraskevi, Agios Nektarios and the summit of Mount Cithaeron; the southwestern section between Psatha and Loumba; and the southern front stretching from Kandili towards Megara.

At first light, at around 06:25, aerial firefighting operations resumed, with weather conditions favouring efforts to contain the blaze.

The scale of the destruction is already severe. According to an analysis of satellite data by the European Copernicus mechanism, more than 130,000 stremmas have been burned in total over the past four days.

Strong winds, rugged terrain and the vast extent of the fire fronts are significantly hampering the work of the Fire Service. Crews are concentrating both on limiting the spread of the blaze and on tackling repeated flare-ups.

New flare-up between Loumba and Psatha

A new flare-up broke out approximately two kilometres north of Loumba, in the area between Loumba and Psatha.

The fire is burning within a densely wooded pine forest, increasing the risk of rapid spread. Strong ground forces and forest commando units are operating at the scene in an effort to contain the front immediately.

Improved situation in Psatha

The situation in Psatha has been better since Monday evening compared with the previous hours, when the flames reached the settlement and caused damage to homes and properties.

In Loumba, the fire front reached the yards of houses, while strong flare-ups continue to concern firefighting forces.

There is still no clear picture of how many homes have been damaged or completely destroyed.

The rugged terrain makes access extremely difficult for ground forces. For this reason, aerial units carried out continuous water drops until the last light of day, as flames encircled a large part of the area.

Earlier, emergency alerts were sent via 112 ordering residents to evacuate Psatha, Loumba, Morfeika and Ano Alepochori and head towards Megara.

Strong firefighting forces in Loumba, Megara

A major operation is also under way in the sparsely populated area of Loumba, where strong ground and aerial firefighting forces are deployed.

At the same time, heavy machinery has been used to create firebreaks in an effort to halt the advance of the blaze. Fire engines have been positioned in front of homes and, so far, the flames have not reached the buildings.

However, concern remains high over the possibility of further flare-ups.

Traffic ban towards Psatha

A police roadblock has been set up on the Megara–Alepochori provincial road, near Zachouli, approximately 20 minutes from Psatha.

Access to the area has been banned for safety reasons. Only water tankers, fire engines and vehicles transporting volunteers to the fire fronts are being allowed through.

Continuous battle against flare-ups

Firefighting forces are making enormous efforts to halt the advance of the blaze, which can reignite even from small, scattered hotspots.

Forest commando units, volunteers and residents are responding wherever flames appear, trying to protect homes, farmland and forested areas from the destructive path of the wildfire.