Nikoletta Pandi, the Deputy Regional Governor of the Ionian islands and responsible for Corfu, has ordered the evacuation of the towns of Neochori and Paleochori. The Corfu wildfires are threatening areas of southern Corfu, according to reports.
More than forty firefighters are battling blazes which were apparently started Friday afternoon in the area of Kritika. More than a dozen vehicles, two aircraft, and additional resources are set against the blazes as of the most recent updates. The official Fire Department Twitter account has been tweeting updates.
Ενισχύονται οι δυνάμεις που επιχειρούν στην περιοχή Κρητικά Κέρκυρας, σε 34 πυροσβέστες, 13 οχήματα, 3 Α/Φ, 2 PZL και 1 Ε/Π. Συνδράμουν 2 οχήματα ΟΤΑ και 1 υδροφόρο. Αναλυτικά οι επίγειες δυνάμεις: 29 #πυροσβέστες, 13 οχήματα και 1 ομάδα πεζοπόρου τμήματος με 5 άτομα.
— Πυροσβεστικό Σώμα (@pyrosvestiki) August 23, 2019
Local authorities are aiding the fire teams with personnel and additional mechanized assistance including more aircraft. Additional help is in route to battle the Corfu wildfires from other regions of Greece.
Greek reporter said buses were expected to go to the villages in order to transport the residents to other parts of the island, where they would be safe.
The Aegean island of Leros also saw wildfires earlier Friday morning. Gale-force winds and high temperatures are creating a dangerous situation currently in Greece, facilitating the rapid spread of any fires that do occur.
May everyone’s prayers and thoughts be with these brave fire brigades.
