Night has fallen and the aerial help is no longer on the island of Zakynthos. The ERT news Zakynthos journalist, Andreas Papadimitriou reported on the ERTNEWS news bulletin at 20.00 the latest developments from the fire front that is burning the mountain region of our island. According to his response, the situation remains extremely difficult, as the strong winds are constantly changing direction, making it impossible to predict the course of the fire.

Agalas is already counting houses and businesses that have burnt, with the flames having invaded the village. At the moment, a large front is also raging in mountain area of Lithakia, while the total extent of the fire in Zakynthos reaches 20 kilometers, from Keri to Machairado. Despite the reinforcement of ground forces from Patras, the morphology of the terrain and the lack of aerial means – as only one helicopter was operating before sunset, making the fire difficult to extinguish.

Evacuations in Agalas and Keri took place early in the morning, while visitors were also removed from tourist units. 150 tourists from Keri and another 50 from Agala. All have been moved to other hotel premises and are safe. Residents are urged to strictly follow the instructions of the emergency services and the 112 emergency messages, as the situation can change within minutes.

The power outage in many areas creates additional obstacles, as the water pumps for water extraction can not be operated, making conditions for firefighting and for water tank vehicles difficult. At the same time, the atmosphere remains stifling, although in Lithakia the wind is currently blowing in a direction that reduces the smoke in the area.

Andreas Papadimitriou also conveyed the anguish of the residents, who remain on standby, while volunteers have been assisting since the morning, offering water, food and assistance to the fire crews. The next few hours are considered critical, with the authorities hoping for a weakening of the winds so that more drops can be made and the destruction to be limited.

According to the head of the Civil Protection of the Region, Maria Mouzaki, approximately 15 thousand acres of virgin forest and agricultural crops have been burnt so far. In an interview on the National t.v station Open, she mentioned that we are in for an extremely difficult night. 
At the moment it seems that the winds have dropped, lets hope that our fire services who are battling the fire now on the ground only have luck on their side and it is extinguished. 
Source:- zantetimes.gr. ​

Photo source, social media Ermis news

​Flames have just reached the residential area of Agala. Authorities pleading to the residents of Agala and Keri to
follow the instructions given by the emergency hotline 112. 

Photo source:- social Media Maria Mouzaki
Due to extreme weather conditions Zakynthos has been issued for tomorrow 13th August, 2025 a total traffic ban on ALL forest areas and NATURA park areas. Level 4 (very high fire risk). This means that the Castle in Bochali and the Shipwreck view point will be closed to ALL. 
more updates to come. 
​Source:- Social Media Platform. 

A large fire is currently raging in an agricultural and forest area between the villages of Lithakia, Agala and Kiliomenos in Zakynthos. The entire fire brigade of the island is working at the scene, with the assistance of volunteers and the Civil Protection of the Municipality and the Sub-region, while aerial firefighting is being carried out. In particular, 35 firefighters are working with 13 vehicles and 8 aerial vehicles (5 aircraft, 3 helicopters). 112 was sent repeatedly for evacuation from the Agala area to Keri, Kiliomenos and Machairados, and evacuations have now been carried out in Agala and Keri.

Also, 14 firefighters are traveling by boat from Kyllini with one (1) hiking team of the 6th EMODE and four (4) vehicles, as well as 35 firefighters with three (3) hiking teams and 10 vehicles are scheduled to travel, while there is also assistance from Patras.

Fire now: The fire is raging in Zakynthos and is difficult to control
By order of the local authorities, businesses and hotels (in the Apelati area) were evacuated, as Agalas and Keri continue to be threatened. The peculiarity of the terrain is such that it creates turbulence, making the work of extinguishing the fire very difficult. At the same time, aerial vehicles at one time could not operate due to the strong winds and now as seas have clamed they will start dropping water again. Residents have been ordered to move away to the city of Zakynthos, so as not to cause any problems.

The flames have surrounded Agalas village, while evacuations have also taken place in the area. One house was also burnt, but it was deserted. Many farmhouses and houses, which are located within the agro-forestry area, are at risk.
****A plea to ALL visitors and residents NOT to approach the area, our authorities are trying to battle the fire and do not need "on lookers" to obstruct their mission of putting out the fire. Please adhere to all instructions given by our authorities. 

ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE MUNICIPALITY OF ZAKYNTHOS
The Municipality of Zakynthos, sharing the anguish and difficulties of our fellow citizens from the mountain communities evacuated due to the fires, is offering temporary hospitality in the air-conditioned hall of the Cultural Center. Our thoughts are with all those who are being tested, with the commitment to stand by their side in every possible way.

Source ERTNEWS Zakynthos. 

The large fire that broke out early this morning in the Kiliomenos area is in a critical phase, as it is now heading towards Keri. The Fire Department continues its superhuman efforts to contain the front, facing strong winds that are making their work difficult.

A few minutes ago, 112 issued a new emergency message. Civil Protection is calling on citizens in Keri to immediately move towards the city of Zakynthos, while residents of Agalas are being urged to head towards Kiliomenos and Macheirados.

The authorities emphasize that the situation is evolving rapidly and recommend that everyone closely follow the evacuation instructions for their safety.

The president of Agalas spoke a while ago to Prisma 90.2 and informed that the fire has surrounded the village and that the situation is very difficult.

The president of Keri spoke to Prisma 90.2 and informed that the fire is currently heading towards Keri. They are trying to find a way to stop the fire before it reaches the village.
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Source:- ​zantetimes.gr