PRESS RELEASE – ZAKYNTHOS WILDFIRE AUGUST 2025

Thank you for contacting Zakynthos Informer about the recent Zakynthos wildfire. This press release contains all relevant information on the current situation.
 
What happened?
The Kοiliomenos wildfire began in the west of Zakynthos, in the mountains. The fire ignited on the morning of the 12th of August 2025.  As of the 14th of August 2025, Zakynthos has no active fire fronts, however, firefighters from Zakynthos and the mainland, volunteers, private individuals, local authorities, the Civil Protection unit of Zakynthos and the Ionian region units are on full alert in the affected areas, to prevent reignition.
 
The Zakynthos Fire Department tackled the fire using 35 firefighters and 13 fire engines, on the ground, supported by several local water tankers provided assistance. The ground crews were also supported from above by 5 firefighting planes and 3 helicopters that dropped sea water from above.
 
Support was also sent over from the mainland including multiple firefighters, search and rescue teams and fire engines. Volunteers from the Zakynthian Hellenic Red Cross unit also assisted the teams to check homes, businesses and provide medical assistance.
 
Other Zakynthos volunteer groups also helped where needed including collecting and providing water, food, eye wash and gauzes for the fire fighters and any other teams who needed it.
 
The fire was in the west mountains, in a local village / resident area and not any tourist resorts. The areas affected were Koiliomenos, Agalas, and the outskirts of the mountainous areas of Keri, Mouzaki, Lagopodo, Romiri, Pantokratoras, and Lithakia. The village of Lithakia was saved by firefighters using the backburning method.
 
Approximately 6 thousand acres of mountain and village land was burned by the fires, reducing it to blackened ground and ash cinders. Virgin forest areas, crops, 20 buildings including farmhouses, warehouses, businesses and residents’ homes were all lost. There was no loss of life, but lots of wildlife, farm and domestic animals sadly perished.
 
On the 19th of August a Government team is expected to arrive on Zakynthos to review the damage left by the fire. This will be to assess and provide assistance to anyone displaced or affected, and to help local communities to rebuild.
 
The area affected by the fire is now under emergency measures, but this is normal when this kind of incident occurs, and it allows the island to get any necessary support.
 
Is the island safe for tourists and visitors?
Yes, Zakynthos is safe for tourists and visitors. The fire wasn’t in the area of any of the main resorts of Tsilivi, Planos, Alykes, Alykanas, Kalamaki, Laganas, Argassi, Vasilikos, north of the island, or Zakynthos Town.
 
During the fire, incoming and outgoing tourist flights still operated and were not affected.
 
Residents, tourists and businesses on Zakynthos received 112 alert texts, to keep them updated. Roads to the affected areas were closed to prioritise the fire department’s ability to fight and contain the fire and ensure safety of residents and visitors.
 
The 112 alert was used for precautionary procedures under EU law and residents were only evacuated from affected areas if absolutely necessary. Those evacuated were immediately taken to emergency facilities. Local volunteers offered food, water and medical assistance. One hotel of fifty tourists in Agalas was evacuated and another 150 tourists were evacuated from their accommodation in Keri.
 
Who is Zakynthos Informer?
We are a volunteer team that mainly live and work on Zakynthos. We have been providing news and information about the island, to visitors, tourists and locals, for over 13 years.
 
Our team have a great combined knowledge of the island, including culture, tradition and day to day events that may affect residents, businesses and island visitors. Bobby Gee is presenter of the English speaking Island Radio 88.6 radio station, Louise Inzk is a teacher and has local connections with the Greek authorities and the British Consulate, Liz Osborn has worked extensively across the English and Greek tourism community, June Chapman-Woodward and Lesley Paterson both have great links to the local and UK resident community and Chrissie Parker has worked as a travel writer and author.
 
Regular updates are on our website: https://www.zakynthosinformer.com
 
Our Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/zakynthosinformergroup
 
Contact: Louise Inzk or Chrissie Parker, at [email protected]
 
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