Forest fires ignite in Agios Vasileios and Petra, Boeotia, drawing large firefighting response

Outbreak and alerts

A forest fire broke out shortly after 11:00 local time in a wooded area of Agios Vasileios, part of the Thebes municipality in the Boeotia region. The 112 emergency alert system was activated, urging residents to remain vigilant and follow authorities' instructions. The message read, in part: "Forest fire in the area of Agios Vasileios, Thebes, Regional Unit of Boeotia. Remain in readiness and follow the instructions of the authorities."

Firefighting deployment

Fifty-one firefighters with two teams from the 4th EMODE (Special Disaster Response Unit) and seventeen vehicles were dispatched to the Agios Vasileios blaze. Three aircraft and three helicopters operated from the air, one helicopter serving as a coordinator. Water tankers from the local authority assisted.

No residences or infrastructure are currently threatened by the fire.

Second fire in Petra

Shortly after 2:00 p.m., a second fire broke out in low vegetation at Petra, also in Boeotia. Twenty-six firefighters with one 4th EMODE team and nine vehicles responded, supported by three aircraft and one helicopter. Heavy machinery and additional water tankers from the OTA aided the operation.

Investigation

A team from the investigative department of Fthiotida was dispatched to the area to determine the causes of the fires.

Status and scale

By early afternoon both fires remained active but under control efforts. The total on-the-ground force exceeded 77 firefighters and 26 vehicles across the two fronts, with at least six aircraft operating simultaneously. No injuries or evacuations were reported.