Date: July 27, 2023
Sithonia, Halkidiki – The serene atmosphere of Sithonia was shattered as the piercing sirens of fire engines echoed through the region earlier today. The Fire Service responded to a distress call reporting a rapidly spreading wildfire in the vicinity of Nikiti, near Metamorfosi.
According to preliminary reports from XalkidikiPolitiki, the fire is visible from Nikiti and is dangerously close to the Mylos campsite. Compounding the situation, intense and unpredictable winds gust through the area, making containment efforts extremely challenging.
The fire has elicited a swift and robust response from the firefighting forces, with over 12 vehicles from the Fire Service deployed to the scene. In a show of international cooperation, two fire engines from Bulgaria, carrying ten personnel, have also joined the efforts to combat the blaze.
As a precautionary measure, authorities have taken steps to evacuate residents from the immediate vicinity of the fire. The region’s deputy governor for Halkidiki, Katerina Zografou, confirmed that the Public Power Corporation (PES) has dispatched machinery to support firefighting operations. Additionally, a helicopter has been deployed to drop water on the affected areas, aiding in the extinguishing process.
The fire initially erupted outside Nikiti but has since been partially contained. Nevertheless, firefighting teams work tirelessly to suppress the flames and prevent any further spread fully.
Residents in the area were taken aback upon seeing the plumes of smoke rise in the distance, especially considering the proximity of homes to the fire zone. Authorities are keeping a watchful eye on the situation to ensure the safety of all inhabitants.
To facilitate emergency response operations, traffic has been brought to a standstill, causing significant disruptions in Sithonia. The provincial road has been blocked, impacting travel routes towards Polygyros and Moudania. Alternative ways via Metaggitsi through Agios Nikolaos are being advised until the situation is under control.
As a consequence of the fire’s proximity to Nikiti, the local electricity supply has been temporarily cut off, further complicating the situation for residents and businesses in the affected area.
Excavation efforts are underway to clear the fire’s perimeter of dry vegetation and branches, a crucial step in preventing potential flare-ups and further spread.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, assessing the fire’s behavior and potential risks to surrounding communities. As the problem remains fluid, residents and visitors are urged to stay informed and heed all evacuation orders and safety instructions provided by the authorities.
The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, and an investigation will likely follow once the emergency is under control. For now, the focus remains on the concerted efforts to extinguish the blaze and safeguard the residents and natural treasures of Sithonia.
Source 1: www.xalkidikipolitiki.com
Source 2: www.halkidikinews.gr
