The fire, which broke out of control, engulfed the forest areas covered with pine trees, for which Thassos is famous, as well as olive groves and bee farms, causing panic among tourists and residents, the Greek daily writes. "Ekathymerini".
Although residential areas are not directly threatened for now, one hotel in the Pahi area was evacuated as a precaution, while the beach bar on Glikadi beach was completely burnt down.
Many tourists, including many Serbs on vacation, panicked and headed for the port in Limenas to leave the island. The first ferry to Keramoti left in the early hours of the morning, full of passengers, while the road from Pahis to Limenas was closed due to queues of vehicles. Motorists are advised to use alternative routes via Limenaria, Potos, Potamia and Panagia to reach Limenas.
"If you are on Thassos, let us know the situation on the spot. Locals say that the fire broke out somewhere near the Glikadi Hotel," said the administrators of the Greece Info Facebook group, appealing to tourists to share information.
They added that some places on the island were left without electricity, and firefighters from Kavala went to help because firefighting planes cannot fly at night.
Reaction of authorities and firefighters
The mayor of Thassos, Lefteris Kyriakides, announced on Facebook, calling for calming the situation and coordinated action, reports Kavala News.
"Please stop the posts that spread panic. They create panic among residents and visitors without any significant result. The whole of Thassos is united on the front line of the battle. Calm and coordinated action is needed," Kyriakides wrote.
The first fire-fighting aircraft arrived on Thassos at 5:50 a.m., with reinforced fire and police forces, as well as volunteers who disembarked between 2 and 4 a.m. in Limenas.
Firefighters are still working to contain the fire, but drought and wind are making efforts difficult.
Source: Nova.rs
