Southern Pelion: fire contained at Paou Beach

A fire broke out in an agricultural and forest area in the Paou Beach area of Southern Pelion, in the Magnesia Regional Unit, and was contained on the evening of Tuesday, August 11. The Fire Service was notified around 8:00 p.m. and immediately mobilized significant forces, given that the area was in category 3 that day, meaning high fire danger, with the Magnesia fire services on increased alert.

For firefighting, 40 firefighters with ten vehicles, two hiking teams from the 10th EMODE departments and volunteers were deployed. Hiking teams are used in difficult terrain where vehicles cannot reach, which is common in Pelion’s terrain with steep slopes and ravines that descend to the sea.

From the air, three aircraft and one helicopter assisted, with drops continuing until dusk. After sunset, aircraft withdraw and fighting continues exclusively with ground forces, a fact that makes the first hours critical.

The Municipality of Southern Pelion provided water tankers to resupply firefighting vehicles, a contribution that is crucial in areas with limited water sources. Cooperation between municipalities and the Fire Service is provided for in civil protection plans and is automatically activated at incidents of this scale, without requiring a separate request.

A 112 message was sent to residents and visitors in the broader area at 8:07 p.m., asking them to remain on alert and follow the authorities’ instructions. The preparedness message differs from an evacuation order and aims to prepare residents in case the situation worsens. The area has scattered houses and tourist accommodations, which in August host a significant number of visitors.

The fire was contained shortly after 9:00 p.m. Critical, according to reporting, was that the fire became trapped in a ravine, which limited its spread toward inhabited areas. For investigating the causes, the Arson Investigation Task Force of Magnesia was mobilized.

Magnesia and the Sporades remained in category 3 for Wednesday, August 12. Pelion has been tested repeatedly this year, with a recent example being the fire in Agios Laurentios. For the general picture, see fire danger in six regions.