A major wildfire broke out overnight in the Pastra area of the Greek island of Kefalonia, quickly spreading through forested land and pushing toward populated villages. Authorities issued successive emergency alerts ordering residents and visitors to evacuate.
The fire advanced in two directions, driven by wind: toward Katelios and the sea, and toward Markopoulo, from where it moved down toward Eleios, threatening the villages of Mavrata, Thiramona, and Chionata. Flames came within metres of homes in Kremmydi, Markopoulo, Ano Katelios, and Mavrata, burning through cultivated land and yards. Hotels and tourist accommodation in Katelios were also evacuated.
Firefighting forces at the scene include 52 firefighters, three foot-patrol units from the 19th EMODE, volunteers, and 12 vehicles. Two aircraft and one helicopter have been deployed for aerial operations. An additional 10 firefighters with five vehicles arrived by ferry from Kyllini to reinforce the effort.
Investigators from the Argostoli Fire Service, working under the Direction for Combating Arson Crimes, said a 44-year-old man allegedly started the fire using an open flame. He was arrested under flagrante delicto procedures in cooperation with Greek Police, following prosecutors’ orders, and has been charged with deliberate arson. According to the fire service, the suspect had previously come to the attention of authorities for arson-related offences and had been convicted and served a sentence for similar acts.
