For the second consecutive day on Saturday (05.07.2025), wildfires continue to rage in Mesochoria, southern Evia, with ground firefighting forces working non-stop throughout the night to contain the spreading flames. Despite the heroic efforts of firefighters and volunteers, the fire that broke out yesterday has now reached alarming proportions, threatening homes in this semi-mountainous village.
The fire, which continues to consume everything in its path near Karystos, Mesochoria, and Tsakaiika, has grown significantly due to strong winds, making suppression efforts extremely difficult. A new evacuation order was issued for Limnioi via an SMS alert from emergency services (112) early this morning. Earlier last night, residents of Tsakaiika were also ordered to evacuate with a message sent at 20:00 instructing them to move toward Styra.
Firefighting forces received reinforcements last night, including teams from Thessaly, Peloponnese, and Central Greece. Currently, 160 firefighters with 45 vehicles and eight ground units are battling the blaze. According to news agency reports, the fire front has now split into four main sections, two of which are dangerously advancing towards residential areas.
One section is moving towards Nea Styra, where crews are desperately trying to prevent it from crossing the main road leading to nearby villages. Another front southwest of Tsakaiika is already at the edge of the settlement, but coordinated ground efforts have so far prevented further advancement despite the wind-fueled intensity.
A total of 14 aircraft and four helicopters conducted operations until sunset, and aerial water drops resumed at first light today. Local authorities remain on high alert, monitoring the situation minute by minute and coordinating protection measures for the population. The Municipality of Karystos has placed local facilities on standby for temporary housing if needed.