Lefkada: fire on Kalamos brought under control

A fire broke out at 09:30 on the morning of Thursday, August 13, in a forested area on the small island of Kalamos, in the Lefkada regional unit. The fire service mobilized forces immediately, given that the area was rated risk category 4, meaning very high risk. Lefkada was explicitly included on the day’s relevant map. The fire was contained and brought under control during the morning. The fire service announced that “the fire on Kalamos, Lefkada, has been brought under control.”

Fifteen firefighters with two vehicles were mobilized in the firefighting effort, along with a ground crew unit from the 5th Special Firefighting Unit (EMODE). Transporting the forces posed a particular challenge. Firefighters were transported by sea from Mytikas, in Aetolia-Acarnania, as the small island has no fire station. The need for maritime transport adds time to the response. In such cases, aerial resources bear the greater share of the burden in the first hours.

Four aircraft and one helicopter operated from the air. A Civil Protection water-carrying vehicle and water tankers from local authorities also assisted. The combination of ground and aerial resources allowed the fire to be contained before it could spread. No threat to an inhabited area was reported. No injuries were reported either.

To investigate the causes, the Aetolia-Acarnania Arson Investigation Unit was mobilized. Jurisdiction belongs to the service of the neighboring regional unit, due to geographic proximity. The causes have not been determined. The unit is examining both negligence and intent as possibilities. Findings are expected after the on-site inspection is completed.

Kalamos is a small island in the Ionian Sea with a limited permanent population, which increases significantly during the summer months. The lack of permanent fire service coverage is a characteristic of many of the country’s small islands. Responding to incidents depends on transporting forces from the mainland or from neighboring islands. The issue is raised regularly by local authorities. Volunteer teams cover part of the gap.

The day was among the most demanding of this year’s fire season so far. Six areas of the country were placed under a state of alert, category 5, while a broad part of the country, including the Ionian islands, was under category 4. The fire service remained on heightened alert. Strong northerly winds hampered the work of aerial resources. Conditions are expected to remain difficult in the coming days as well.

Citizens are urged to avoid any activity that could produce a spark in forested areas. Fires should be reported by calling 199. More from Greece on the Greece page. Ellinika Nea Simera will provide updates on any flare-ups. Forces remain at the site to monitor the area.