Chania: Big fire near Navsthamos

A large fire broke out on Tuesday morning (23/4) and is ongoing in the area of ​​Souda, on the National Highway, in junction leading to Navsthamos.

The fire has caused alarm in the area, as well strong winds are blowingas a result houses are evacuated, the school and the nursery school of Naustatmos and the Town Planning building, while at a nearby point from the fire is also the Naval Hospitalfrom where the patients were transferred to the Chania General Hospital.

The fire, according to zarpanews.gr, allegedly started from the beach of Naustatmos. According to the Fire Department, the fire presents a better picture shortly after 10.30, however strong winds are still blowing in the area.

According to zarpanews.gr, the evacuation of the school was carried out in an orderly manner while the parents of the children were immediately notified, who picked them up. By 9:20 the evacuation was complete.

Just before 10, the Naval Hospital of Crete was also completely evacuated. As stated by the commander Mr. Balaskas and the eight people who were treated at the facility have been safely removed.

At the same time, a first aid station has been set up on a naval tanker.

At the point they blow stormy southeast winds which make the work of firefighting difficult, while according to meteorologist Manolis Lekkas they are expected to strengthen further.

Message via 112 was sent to the residents in Navsthamos shortly after 9, in order to move away from their area.

In particular, the message states: “If you are in the settlement of Navsthamos, move away from the area. Forest fire in your area. Follow the authorities’ instructions.”

According to the Fire Department, the fire broke out around 8.25 and it burns low vegetation in a forest area. 77 firefighters with 5 groups of pedestrian units, 21 vehicles and a helicopter are trying to extinguish it.

So far, the Fire Department is fighting to prevent the fire from spreading to the Great Fields, as strong winds are blowing in the area.

Police are in the area to regulate traffic as well access to the national road is prohibited, with the vehicles being driven towards Malaxa.

A police station is also present at the Souda junction, which is also closed.