Fire in Evia: Livestock Facilities, Olive Groves, and Vineyards Burned – Firefighters on High Alert for Rekindling

The situation has visibly improved in southern Evia, where firefighting forces waged an all-night heroic battle against the flames to contain them. From early this morning (05.07.2025), aerial firefighting units resumed operations with continuous water drops in areas previously affected by the fire. The wildfire broke out yesterday afternoon and spread rapidly due to strong winds in the region, making the firefighters’ job extremely difficult. Early this morning, scattered hotspots were quickly contained by ground and aerial teams, which remain on-site in case of rekindling, as the risk of wildfires remains particularly high today across Evia. The effort by firefighters and volunteers throughout the night was immense. According to initial reports, there are no confirmed damages to residential buildings; however, agricultural and livestock facilities have been destroyed. Many farmers managed to move their herds away from threatened areas, though large areas of olive groves and vineyards have been burned. Notably, at 4 a.m., a message from emergency services (112) was sent to residents’ mobile phones urging evacuation from the Limnio area, directing them toward Nea Styra. Authorities reminded citizens that yesterday evening around 8 p.m., evacuation orders had also been issued for Karystos and Tsakaios. Reinforcements arrived at the rural forest area where the fire broke out yesterday (July 4, 2025) in Mesochoria, Evia. Additional support came from Aliveri, Karystos, and Chalkida. With reinforcements from Central Greece and Thessaly, the total firefighting force includes 112 firefighters, five ground crews, and 32 vehicles. However, strong winds continue to cause flare-ups, keeping both land and air forces on full alert. Water tankers from the municipality and regional authorities, along with heavy machinery, are working to strengthen firebreaks and secure key points. The Karystos Municipality has already placed municipal infrastructures on standby for temporary shelter, if needed. The night ahead promises to be long and challenging.