The authorities of Kythera were alerted on Monday night, March 9, due to two fires that broke out almost simultaneously in the area of Potamos. The timing and local context of the incidents has led to serious suspicions of deliberate action.
According to reportage of the station ADELIN FM, the outbreaks occurred in wooded vegetation in the area of Karvounolaki, northwest of the river. The fact that triggers the arson scenarios is that the two fires were about a kilometre apart and broke out in the middle of the night, with no apparent natural cause.
Difficult extinguishing conditions
The mobilization of the Fire Brigade was immediate and strong, with men and vehicles rushing to the scene to deal with the two fronts. The operation was assisted by men of the EL.AΣ., while in the area was from the first moment the Deputy Mayor of Civil Protection and Climate Crisis, Yannis Katsanevakis.
The work of the firefighters was significantly hampered by the weather conditions, as strong northeasterly winds of 6 to 7 Beaufort were blowing in the area. These winds, according to ADELIN FM, caused the fires to spread rapidly. In addition, the firefighting forces were called to operate on particularly rough and rugged terrain, thick with thorns and briers.
Causes under investigation
Despite the adversity, after a long and arduous battle with the flames, the firefighters managed to bring the fire fronts under control and finally extinguish them completely.
At the moment, the Fire Service is conducting an investigation to determine the causes. As reported by ADELIN FM, on the basis of preliminary indications, the possibility of arson is highly probable, given that the two outbreaks occurred almost simultaneously in different places under the cover of darkness.
