Large-scale fire in Parnitha – no evidence of power pole explosion (video)

A major fire broke out shortly before 3pm today, Saturday, in Parnitha. Strong gusts of wind are making it difficult to extinguish.

According to local residents, the cause of the fire was allegedly an explosion on a power transmission pole. However, according to firefighters, there is no evidence to confirm this.

100 firefighters with thirty units of equipment, 4 groups of foot units, 6 helicopters, including a coordination helicopter, 5 aircraft are working to extinguish the fire. Volunteers and project equipment are helping the fire brigades. OTAwater tanks are being delivered.

At 16:30, an emergency meeting at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, convened by Minister Vasilis Kikilias, ended, with representatives of relevant ministries, the Security Forces, the Armed Forces and other relevant agencies participating.

The fire department's operations center provides the following information:, quotes CNN Greece:

“At 15:10, the operations center received a report of a forest fire in Katsimidi (Parnita). Strong ground forces are currently fighting the fire, which will be additionally reinforced by 100 firefighters and 30 vehicles from Thessaly, Epirus and Central Macedonia. Air action 12 aircraft, 4 airplanes and 8 helicopters.

In the area of ​​the fire, wind speed reaches 50 km/h, gusts exceed 100 km/h. Extreme weather conditions and the presence of high voltage towers in the area make it difficult for aircraft to operate.

For this reason, helicopters are mainly used. All forces are coordinated by the OLYMOS mobile operations center. At 15:47, a message was sent from number 112 with a request to inform residents of the areas closest to the fire so that they were ready to follow the instructions of the competent authorities in the event of an emergency.

Assistance in the firefighting work is being provided by a significant force, including volunteer firefighters, a number of volunteer fire engines, as well as water tankers and working equipment from the Attica Region and the General Staff of National Defense.

Overall, the current conditions are difficult and dangerous. Since early morning today, Saturday, June 29, 2024, there have been 40 fires in sparsely wooded areas. We emphasize that in any case, citizens, for their own safety, must follow the instructions of the competent authorities.”

According to the fire risk forecasting map issued by the General Secretariat of Civil Protection of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr), For tomorrow, Sunday 30 June, a very high fire risk (category 4) is forecast for the following areas:

• Attica Region (including Kythira Island)
• Peloponnese region (Corinthia region, Argolis region, Laconia region)
• Region of Crete
• North Aegean region (Lesvos region, Chios region, Samos region, Ikaria region)
• South Aegean Region (Cyclades)
• Region of Central Greece (PE Boeotia, PE Phthiotis, PE Evia).

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