7 Aircraft and 9 Helicopters Battling Forest Fire in Greece's Evia Island

Seven firefighting planes and nine helicopters, along with around 300 firefighters, military personnel, and volunteers, are combating a severe fire that has been ongoing since August 13 in the pine forests on the slopes of Greece's Evia Island. This was reported by Greece’s Skai television channel on August 14, as conveyed by Armenpress.

Later on August 14, two additional firefighting planes provided by Italy at Greece's request will join the operation, and it is expected that two more will be sent by Spain, which has also responded to Greece's call for assistance through Europe’s civil protection mechanism for firefighting in Evia.

The pine forest on Evia Island continues to blaze over a large area. On August 13, the fire front stretched for 11.5 kilometers, and flames reached heights of 30 to 40 meters. Authorities have evacuated four villages (Makrimalli, Kontodespotis, Stavros, and Platania) as a precaution, relocating residents to other areas.

A volunteer participating in the firefighting efforts near the village of Makrimalli sustained minor injuries, as reported by TASS.