Loutropyrgos: fire triggers 112 alert for Tolka, Neraki

A wildfire broke out on Wednesday, August 12, around 13:45, in low vegetation near the settlement of Loutropyrgos, in the Municipality of Megara. The local press describes the spot as one of the most sensitive in Western Attica, since the vegetation reaches close to inhabited areas. The day was under an orange alert, with a risk index of 4. Thursday, August 13 was set to rise to category 5, meaning a state of alert. Crews were mobilized immediately due to the proximity to the settlements.

A 112 alert was sent at 14:37, 52 minutes after the fire broke out. It was addressed to residents of Loutropyrgos, Tolka and Neraki. Civil Protection directed residents via the Old National Road towards Nea Peramos, to the east, that is, in the opposite direction to the fire’s path. The choice of evacuation direction is critical in such incidents. The instructions were also broadcast via local media.

In the first update, at 14:13, forces included 32 firefighters, one ground unit from the 1st Special Firefighting Forces Unit (EMODE), 11 vehicles, three aircraft and two helicopters. The final picture, at 18:14, brought forces up to 64 firefighters, three EMODE ground units and 21 vehicles. From the air, five aircraft and three helicopters operated, for a total of eight aerial assets. The Municipality of Mandra-Eidyllia assisted with water tankers to resupply ground crews. The escalation of forces reflects how the incident developed over the afternoon.

Due to the fire’s proximity to the road network, traffic was halted on the Athens–Corinth ring national road, near the Neraki settlement. Drivers followed traffic police instructions for alternative routes. ESKEDIK, the Civil Protection operations centre, received continuous imagery from a drone with thermal and optical cameras. The aim was to detect hotspots not visible from the ground. This technology is now used systematically in major operations.

The fire was brought under control the same afternoon. Crews remained on site to deal with any flare-ups, a practice necessary when strong winds are blowing. To investigate the causes, the Western Attica Arson Crime Investigation Unit was mobilized. The possibilities of negligence, technical fault and intent are being examined. No findings have been announced.

Western Attica has been repeatedly tested this year. The major fire of July 31 led to inspections and the classification of 40 out of 82 houses as demolishable in Porto Germeno. Recovery procedures are under way, with anti-erosion works due to start before September 15. The Megara area accounts for a significant share of the incidents. The recurrence of hotspots in the same zone has caused concern among residents.

Attica Today will publish the findings of the investigation once announced. Residents are urged to monitor 112 messages and Civil Protection announcements. More from Western Attica on the Western Attica page. Fires can be reported on telephone number 199. The coming days are marked by heightened risk.