Intervention of the Kythera KKE K.O. for yesterday's fires - «The island remains unprotected»

In light of the fires that broke out on Wednesday, July 2 in areas of Kythira, the Kythira Party Organization of the KKE proceeded to scathing remark, denouncing the lack of prevention, infrastructure, and personnel on the island and calling on the government to take immediate action to Strengthening the Fire Department.

Two fire fronts – Residents’ assistance is invaluable

According to the KKE's press release, The fire broke out on two fronts, in the area Vani and to Saint Kosmas, while This was preceded by another outbreak in Aroniadika, which was extinguished more quickly. The fires were finally brought under control thanks to the efforts of the firefighters, residents, and volunteers, but the fact that the fire department had to spend the night at the scene left the rest of the island exposed, especially during a period of strong winds.

KKE: «No government has implemented a comprehensive prevention plan»

The KKE offers a comprehensive critique, arguing that No government in recent years has implemented a comprehensive fire prevention plan and that the understaffing of the Fire and Forestry Services It is a timeless crime.

Special mention is made of Kythira as an island isolated from the mainland, which makes imperative on staffing the local fire station with sufficient personnel and equipment, so that a tragedy like the one the 2017 fire.

Criticism of the government—and of the 112 message

The KKE calls on the government and local New Democracy officials to stop making empty promises and to move forward with specific measures to support the Kythira Port Authority.

In fact, the report also includes barbs aimed at the signal transmission from 112, which, according to the KKE, caused a panic to the citizens who were swimming at Melidoni, resulting in traffic congestion and to access by fire trucks is blocked.

Here is the press release:

Kythira Party Organization

PRESS RELEASE

Regarding yesterday's fires on Kythira

A delegation from the Kythira Local Organization of the KKE traveled yesterday to the Vani area, where a fire had broken out, to gather information on the firefighting operation. The fire broke out in a relatively inaccessible area and spread along two fronts, one in the Vani area and one in the Agios Kosmas area. Firefighters brought the fire under control and extinguished it, with invaluable assistance from residents and volunteers. It is worth noting that shortly before that, another fire broke out in the Aroniadika area, which was quickly extinguished.

Yesterday’s fires are causing concern, as the fire department’s forces are forced to spend the night on site for fear of a possible flare-up, leaving the rest of the island vulnerable, especially when strong winds have been blowing all week.

Our Party has consistently raised concerns over the years about the shortages of personnel, infrastructure, and resources within the Fire Department and Forest Service, while no government over the years has implemented a comprehensive fire prevention plan. Especially for Kythira, which is isolated from the mainland, There is an urgent need to fully staff the Fire Department with personnel and equipment even at the very last moment, before a devastating fire like the one in 2017 occurs again.

Consequently, we expect the New Democracy government and its local officials, instead of mere platitudes and observations—which simultaneously highlight the complete lack of a plan for fire prevention and protection—— to take immediate measures to strengthen the Kythira Fire Department.

Our forces are at the disposal of and standing alongside the firefighters and residents of the island.

P.S.: The 112 emergency call that rang out yesterday in the area did anything but facilitate the firefighting efforts, since the people who were swimming at Melidoni Beach panicked and rushed to leave, resulting in traffic congestion on the road and blocking the fire trucks. Sometimes the mentality of «run for your life» and «every man for himself» creates additional problems… That is why we emphasize that «only the people can save the people»; through collective action and advocacy, we will be able to achieve what we deserve in the 21st century.ο century…

03/07/2025