Wildfire Erupts in Kythera: Mass Evacuations and Emergency Response Underway

A wildfire broke out early Saturday morning in a rural forested area near Pitsinades, located in central Kythera, prompting a significant emergency response and several evacuation alerts, authorities confirmed. The Greek fire service mobilized 28 firefighters to battle the blaze on the island, alongside a specialized forest operations unit, known as EMODE. The firefighting efforts were further supported by six fire engines, volunteer firefighters, one helicopter, and two aircraft. Additionally, seven more firefighters from the 6th EMODE unit were transported by ferry from Neapoli in the southern region of Peloponnese to assist in the response. Shortly after the fire ignited, Greece's emergency alert system, 112, issued an urgent message advising residents in Pitsinades to evacuate toward the nearby village of Aroniadika to ensure their safety. A second alert was sent around midday, advising those in Aroniadika to move towards Friligianika as the fire continued to spread. A third message followed around 1 PM, instructing residents in the Araioi area to evacuate toward Livadi as conditions worsened. Currently, there have been no immediate reports of injuries or damage to property as firefighting efforts proceed, albeit under challenging and shifting wind conditions. Local authorities remain vigilant as they continue to monitor the situation and respond to the evolving challenges posed by the wildfire. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2