An endless fiery nightmare in Rhodes and Corfu

Residents of Rhodes and Corfu lived through another hellish night due to the fire fronts and flare-ups.

While there is mourning after the crash of the Canadair that claimed the lives of the 34-year-old Captain Christos Moulas and the 27-year-old Second Lieutenant, Periklis Stefanidis, the ground and air forces of the Fire Department continue the work of extinguishing in an attempt to limit the fire fronts.

The destruction in Rhodes, where the fire has been burning for the 9th day, is incalculable while the residents are in despair. The fronts are focused in the areas of Malona, Vatio and Gennadi, while in many other areas there are continuous flare-ups.

The destruction in Corfu is also huge. Food service businesses and villas in Apraos and Kalamaki suffered damage around their yards, but not serious, at least so far, in buildings and facilities.

The area had been evacuated since 4.30 pm yesterday Tuesday, while strong firefighting forces tried to contain the flames.

09:25 Over 500 fires have broken out since July 13

Shocking data on the number of fires that have broken out in the country from July 13 until today, was given by the press representative of the Fire Department, Yiannis Artopios.

As he pointed out while speaking to SKAI channel, from July 13 until today, 500 fires have occurred, 60-70 per day.

In fact, as he said, since the beginning of the year, more than 105 persons have been arrested for causing a fire, with most of the cases involving negligence.

09:05 The new facts about the Canadair crash are shocking

The fall of the Canadair CL-215 in Karystos and the tragic death of the two officers have caused grief. The fireman who spoke to them minutes before the crash reveals the pilots’ last words.

08:45 Complaint on air for arson in Corfu

The deputy mayor of North Corfu, Nikos Mouzakitis, speaking directly to the public broadcaster ERT on camera, complained that a flame suddenly burst out of nowhere in a tree and immediately a car left the scene.

As he said, “we are awake for three or four days, to watch such phenomena”. A fact that, as he pointed out, explains the appearance of so many fiery fronts on the island.

08:20 The fires are raging in Rhodes for the 9th day

For the 9th day, the battle to extinguish the fire on the island of Rhodes continues. The extinguishing effort is carried out in particularly difficult weather conditions, with the work of the firefighting forces focusing on the area of the villages of Malonas, Vatio and the area of Gennadi.

Shortly before midnight on Tuesday, the fire passed from Gennadi towards the villages of Lachania and Messanagro, a fact which alerted all the forces and volunteers in the area. However, no settlements were threatened and no 112 message had to be sent.

08:05 The hottest day of the heatwave today – Warning for strong winds

The third heat wave is in full swing in the country, with heat wave “Kleon” bringing temperatures that will reach up to 46 degrees in some places.

But in addition to the extreme temperatures that will be recorded in places today, which will even reach 46 degrees, there is also concern about the strong winds that will exist.

07:50 Battle with flare-ups in Corfu

In Corfu there were multiple flare-ups with the fronts of the fire located in the north-eastern part of the island.

Along with the ground forces, the aerial means are also helping, and specifically so far two aircraft and two helicopters.

07:30 In Malona, Vati and Gennadi and the active fronts in Rhodes

The active fronts in Rhodes are located in the southern and southeastern part, i.e. they focus on the Malona, Vatio and Gennadi area.

With the first light of the day, 2 aircraft and 2 helicopters started the airdrops which are helping so far in the extinguishing work together with the ground forces.

07:15 Mourning for the Canadair pilots – How the plane crashed

The tragic death of the two pilots of the canard that crashed in Karystos, while operating on the fiery front of Platanistos, has shocked the country. The aircraft pitched, then pitched, and while attempting to lift the float collided with a tree and detached from the right wing. Then, due to the loss of support, it veered to the right, stuck in a stream and caught fire.

07:00 Small flame pockets in Karystos and Dervenakia

The picture with the fires in Karystos and Dervenakia is better, as there are small outbreaks.

06:50 Extreme fire risk on Wednesday as well

Extreme risk of occurrence and spread of forest fires is expected today in the greater part of the mainland, Crete and Rhodes, according to the National Observatory of Athens (meteo.gr).

The cause of the extremely adverse fire-meteorological conditions are the very hot and dry conditions combined with the strengthening of the winds, which will blow from west/southwest directions with intensities of 6-7 Beaufort (locally 8 Beaufort) over mainland Greece.

06:35 The fire fronts are raging in Rhodes and Corfu

The fire fronts are raging in Rhodes and Corfu with the fire brigade fighting to contain the fires. At the first light of day they begin to assist operations and aerial means.