A lot of new fires are breaking out during the last few hours in Greece, spokesman for the Fire Brigade Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said on Wednesday, in an update.

"In the last few hours we have had new fires break out constantly. There is a new fire breaking out nearly every ten minutes. Most were dealt with immediately at first stage," he said, adding that it is a very difficult day with fires throughout the country.

Concerning the fire that broke out on Wednesday afternoon at a boat parking yard near the town of Koropi, on th sideroad of the Vari-Koropi Avenue, he said an augmented team of 102 firefighters, with 2 teams on foot and 43 vehicles, is battling to put out the flames, assisted by 6 firefighting aircraft, 8 helicopters, volunteers and local authority water tankers.

Warnings have been sent via the 112 emergency number to people in Kitsi and Lambrika near Koropi to evacuate the area, as strong winds aid the fire's spread. Students from three private schools in the area - Kessaris, Geitonas and St. Lawrence - have been evacuated to safe areas.

Vari, Voula, and Vouliagmeni Mayor Grigoris Konstantellos said that the situation is difficult but no reports have come in about damaged homes or businesses.

Vathrakogiannis also mentioned that another dangerous fire is burning in Kranidi, in the Argolid, with another evauation message sent through 112 to residents of Dardiza near Ermionida. Fires are still burning in Markopoulo (East Attica), Moutsouna (Naxos island), and Karystos (Evia) among other areas, with several Fire Brigade forces trying to put the blazes out.

Citizens who see smoke or a fire are asked to call authorities through the emergency numbers of 199 and 112.

Traffic restored

Traffic in the Markopoulo area, East Attica, has been completely restored due to a fire in Koropi, police said on Wednesday evening.
On the Vari-Koropi Avenue, where the fire broke out earlier, only two sections continue to be shut to traffic:
- At its junction with Agias Marinas Avenue and
- At its junction with Androu Street.
 

(Story being updated)