Wednesday, August 6 – Separate wildfires caused by lightning strikes broke out earlier in the evening on the west of the island near the villages of Skala Prinos, Maries and Kazaviti (Micro & Megalos Prinos). The island’s fire department stated that a large contingent of firefighters and locals were involved in fighting the fires.

Two Canadair water-dropping planes, helicopters and further firefighting aircraft supported the ground forces, but had to return to their mainland bases before darkness fell.

However, further firefighters and their vehicles from the Kavala area on the mainland crossed over to the island to support the local forces.

The Maries fire broke out in the forested area near Lake Marion, above the village of Maries.

Update, 21:00 – No residential areas were directly threatened, but hotels in the area were told to prepare for evacuation if necessary. Three of four outbreaks were brought under control, but the fourth, located near Skala Prinos, still caused concern.

The glow from the blazes could be seen from Thassos Town, which is 10 km northeast of the fires.

Thursday, August 7, 07:00 – Although it continued to rain during the late evening, the fire near Skala Prinos caused problems with the front being almost 1 km wide and near tourist areas. The fires at Kazaviti, Rachoni and Maries were extinguished earlier, which allowed the firefighters to concentrate on the Skala Prinos front, which was mainly located in large areas of reeds.

Thankfully, due to the efforts of the firefighters and local volunteers, it has been confirmed that all the fires are now out. The fire at Skala Prinos was contained and extinguished shortly after midnight. However, firefighting forces remain at the scene of all the outbreaks in case of any resurgence.

Click here for video clip of fire at Skala Prinos