The fire on the island of Zakynthos, which started on Friday, was largely extinguished. Firefighters remain in the area for the time being to prevent a re-ignition. The locals are talking about arson.
The fire broke out in an area of undergrowth and olive groves in Tsilivi near Akrotiri.
Started so small took over in matter of minutes. pic.twitter.com/mNbeuJDsNg
— KASIMO ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (@KsSimoman) August 19, 2023
Since the flames came very close to the houses, tourist sites and businesses of the village of Tsilivi, the civil protection ordered an evacuation from the area according to <112>. The quick intervention of firefighters prevented the worst.
#zakynthos #Tsilivi Forest fire Credit: Cor Steigstra pic.twitter.com/StsaSF2Agx
— BosbrandenEuropa (@BosbrandenEU) August 18, 2023
Together with local volunteers, 23 firefighters and 10 pieces of equipment worked in the area. Later, the firefighters were reinforced by 16 more firefighters, one foot team and 4 cars, who arrived in Zakynthos by ferry. Until dusk on Friday, 2 planes and 1 helicopter provided assistance.
On Saturday morning, the state broadcaster ERT reported, citing eyewitnesses, that before the fire started, they saw man on a bicycle and in a white T-shirt, and after a while two more fires started.
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