Wildfire in Kefalonia triggers evacuation of seven settlements, one arrested for arson
A forest fire that broke out late Saturday in Pastra, Kefalonia, prompted a barrage of 112 emergency alerts and the evacuation of seven settlements. One person has been arrested on suspicion of arson.
Fire outbreak
A forest fire ignited in the Pastra area of Kefalonia at around 23:20 on Saturday, 1 August. The blaze spread through woodland, triggering an immediate response from the Hellenic Fire Service. The first 112 emergency alert, a readiness message, was sent to residents in the wider area at 00:20 on Sunday. Within the next three hours, the situation escalated, forcing authorities to order a series of evacuations.
Evacuation orders
Between 01:21 and 03:29, the 112 system issued five evacuation messages covering seven settlements. At 01:21, residents of Kremmidi were instructed to leave and head towards Argostoli. Markopoulo followed at 01:43, also directed to Argostoli. At 02:17, the order was extended to Kateleio, again towards Argostoli. Kato Kateleio was evacuated at 02:59, with residents told to move to Ratzakli and Skala. Finally, at 03:29, the villages of Chionata, Thiramona and Mavrata were evacuated towards Argostoli. In total, six 112 messages were dispatched, including the initial information alert.
- Fire breaks out in forested area of Pastra, Kefalonia
- First 112 alert: readiness message sent to wider area
- Evacuation of Kremmidi ordered, direction Argostoli
- Evacuation of Markopoulo ordered, direction Argostoli
- Evacuation of Kateleio ordered, direction Argostoli
- Evacuation of Kato Kateleio ordered, direction Ratzakli and Skala
- Evacuation of Chionata, Thiramona and Mavrata ordered, direction Argostoli
Firefighting response
The initial response involved 31 firefighters, two pedestrian teams from the 16th Special Disaster Response Unit (EMODE), and seven vehicles, supported by water tankers and earth-moving machinery provided by the municipality of Argostoli. As the night wore on, reinforcements were deployed. By early morning, the force had grown to 52 firefighters, three pedestrian teams from the 19th EMODE, volunteers, and 12 vehicles. Aerial firefighting assets included two aircraft and one helicopter. Additionally, 10 firefighters with five vehicles were scheduled to travel by ferry from the port of Patras to join the operation. The fire service was further assisted by the first light of day, which allowed for enhanced coordination.
Arrest for arson
The deputy regional governor of Kefalonia confirmed that one person had been arrested on suspicion of arson. No further details about the suspect or the circumstances of the arrest were immediately made public.
Current status
As of the early hours of Sunday, the fire remained active but the situation was described as considerably improved. Firefighting crews continued working to contain the blaze, aided by daylight. No injuries or damage to buildings have been reported.
