August 14, 08:00 – The situation across Greece regarding the numerous wildfires is looking more positive this morning, especially as the strong Meltemi winds have subsided.

In Achaia, there are still scattered outbreaks, but the situation in Filippiada has improved. Due to the titanic overnight battle with the fire fronts, the conflagration on Zakynthos (Zante) is in decline. However, the continuing major fires on Chios are still causing concern.

The fire fronts in Patras, Preveza, Zakynthos and Kefalonia continue, with ground crews desperate for firefighting aircraft to rejoin the battle at the first light of day.

Regarding Patras, during the night, the fires were burning across a front of over a kilometre. Due to the efforts of the firefighters, the front was split into three much smaller ones that have now been split again into small outbreaks. During the night, numerous emergency calls were issued for residents of the suburban areas of Aroi, Diakou, Girokomeio, Lykochoro, Souli, Riganokampos and Eglykada to evacuate towards the city centre of Patras. This morning, the fire has been contained in the mountain region above Patras.

As daylight broke this morning, firefighting aircraft once again were employed against the large fire in Arta, where a giant fire front threatened the village last night. Now, thanks to the superhuman efforts of volunteers and firefighters, only a few small fires remain.

Update, 11:00 – The situation has improved in Filippiada and also in Chios, although this fire is still causing concern, whilst the fire on Zakynthos and Ilia has declined. In Achaia, there are still scattered outbreaks and resurgences.

Update, 17:30 – Currently, forces are fighting resurgences in Achaia and Chios. However, the fires in Preveza, Zakynthos, Kefalonia and Argolis are in recession.

Ahead is a night of concern and hope that the fires across Greece do not reignite and that the winds are low, especially as the ground forces will be without the important support of firefighting aircraft.