A large fire is in progress in a forest area on the island of Kefalonia.
38 firefighters are operating in the area along with 3 ground teams, 8 vehicles, 2 water-dowsing aircraft, 1 air tractor, 4 tow trucks and 2 helicopters.
Also, 14 firefighters with 7 vehicles are expected to arrive by boat from Patras and Kyllini to reinforce the local firefighting forces.
Due to the fire on the island, the organized evacuation of the entire population located in the area of Kapandriti was decided for precautionary reasons. According to the mayor of Argostoli, Theofilos Michalatos, the evacuation of the population is done "for reasons of protection of the people who are in the area."
Speaking to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA), the mayor of Argostoli described the fire in Kapandriti as "dangerous due to the strong winds blowing in the area and the high temperatures", while for the evacuation of the village he stated that "it was done following a suggestion of the Fire Brigade Commander."