The large fire that broke out earlier on Sunday afternoon (July 3) and is raging in Portes, Achaea; it quickly spread into the prefecture of Elis, and evacuation orders were issued for a total of four settlements: Valmi, Kotronas, Karagianneika, and Dalamboureika.
Ravines lie between the villages and the fire fronts, and the wind has died down considerably; however, the danger will remain throughout the night, and a battle will be waged by the most powerful ground forces until morning arrives and aerial assets can resume operations.
Firefighters have been deployed around the perimeter of the fire lines and in front of the villages to defend them. In total, including the reinforcements that have arrived, 195 firefighters are now operating at the site with 48 vehicles and 7 teams of ground crews. Of course, aerial resources are no longer being deployed, while volunteers, heavy equipment, and local government water trucks are assisting with firefighting efforts, as is the police force, which is overseeing the evacuation of the villages.
The situation is better in Lefkada
In the other fire that broke out early this afternoon in Porto Katsiki, Lefkada, in a shrubby and forested area, no settlements are at risk, and the fire front appears to be under better control. Thirty-two firefighters are on the scene with two foot patrol teams and nine vehicles, while local government water trucks are also assisting. The fire that broke out earlier this afternoon in Neoktista, Aspropyrgos, has been brought partially under control.
