Firefighters continue to work on the fire that has broken out since early morning in a forest area in the area of Mavros Kolymbos in Ierapetra, Lasithi, Crete.
According to the Fire Department, the forces have been strengthened and are working on scattered outbreaks in the wider area. Specifically, 169 firefighters are operating with 12 groups of pedestrian units, 30 vehicles, while 4 helicopters are assisting from the air, one of which is for coordination.
By order of the municipality of Ierapetra, the settlement of Mavros Kolympos was evacuated, while with a message from 112 the residents of the settlements of Mavros Kolympos, Ahlia, Agia Fotia and Galini were instructed to move away and head further east towards the area of Koutsouras.
Four injured
According to radiolasithi, four people have been injured.
It is a 74-year-old resident from Mavro Kolymbo who has been treated at Venizelio Hospital with burns and breathing problems and has been intubated as a precaution.
According to the latest update from EKAB, the elderly man has several first and second degree burns on his face and legs and at the same time is facing breathing problems due to smoke inhalation.
In addition, a woman with a broken arm, as well as two firefighters with burns.
Houses burned
The flames burned several yards, at least one residence has more serious damage, there are reports of damage to a warehouse of a large company in the area, while some greenhouses have also burned.
Appeal from TOEB
The TOEB Koutsouras appeals to the farmers of the area to help the business by stopping watering the greenhouse crops, so that there is enough water to extinguish the fire.
Strong winds
According to the same source, the winds in the area remain very strong and for this reason the helicopters that have been coming and going since the morning could not operate until 3 in the afternoon, having only made a drop of water.
According to the commander of the PY Ierapetra, Mr. Kaliontzis, no further reinforcement by aerial means is expected and so if the winds do not die down, the situation will be very difficult. After 3pm the winds eased and one helicopter managed to make several drops by 5pm.
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