Filenews 10 August 2021
The causes of the creation of the fire nightmare in Attica, North Evia, Ilia without blowing strong winds, the role of the fiery thermodynamic column created in Varibobi, the reason for Thursday's dramatic resurgence in the same area and the fatal multi-breaking of the fire forces are recorded by "TA NEWS".
First
In the initial fire in Varibobi there was a relative surprise of the Fire Department since on that day there were no winds blowing and it was given the impression – based on the experience of all previous years – that whatever fire occurred would be "static" and therefore treatable. Everyone was expecting big fires when the heat wave was over. But the fact that at its starting point near the royal estates there was a "relief" (continuous hills) that created swirls in the first fire, caused a large thermodynamic column – like a "nuclear" mushroom – and due to the unprecedented dryness from the prolonged heat wave, the fire front began to gain speed of expansion in many directions. With the known painful effects and fronts moving towards Thracomacedones, Varibobi, Adames, etc. Given that such a rapid spread of fires – after prolonged burnings – in different directions without winds had been recorded in the USA, Canada. However, it remains unknown whether there was any information on this data to Greek officials.
Secondly
Problem was created because fire trucks that rushed to the scene to contain the initial first fire in Varibobi (the warning was from a local resident who saw the smoke) were unable due to the difficultness of the area to enter the forest and immediately approach the spot. A fatal delay...
Thirdly
From the reports of Fire Department officials it appears that it was problematic – on that first day of the fire - the aerial patrol program to detect fire outbreaks and an immediate drop of water. Most Canadairs have been damaged by mechanical failure or high temperatures at regional airports since they cannot take off with temperatures above 38 degrees Celsius. While some were from this morning on air patrols there might have been a better initial reaction. It is noted that the same issue as these aircraft was created with the fire in Mati where at that time Canadair did not patrol and were pinned to the ground due to strong winds. And the question had been raised by the judicial inquiry as to why they did not carry out aerial inspections which would also prevent their establishment. It is noted that in July this year according to data from the General Aviation Staff there were 358 exits of firefighting aircraft with a flight duration of 802.9 hours, when these numbers in 2018 were 160 exits with 375.3 hours of flight.
Fourthly
Critical was the resurgence the next day in Varibobi, which caused the fiery havoc in Northern Greece. According to Fire Department officials it is probably attributed to a "fire" that was hidden inside a tree and caused ignition again in a difficult area where there was a new delay in extinguishing it. Fire officials say that on that day there had been about ten rekindlings in Varibobi that had been extinguished.
Fifthly
The resurgence in Varibobi was the "factor" that led to the great disaster. Because on that day – precisely because the fire in Parnitha had been contained – the firefighting aircraft and helicopters had been sent mainly to the fronts of North Evia and secondly to Ilia. But the return of the fire nightmare in Northern Greece led to the return of many of them to Parnitha while now the fire front had taken on huge dimensions. This also led to the over-magnification of the fire in North Evia. With the new forced multi-layered break-up of air firefighting forces that was greater than ever (a total of 71 flying instruments compared to 51 in 2018) having painful effects mainly on the front of Istia – Pefki, etc.
Exton
As regards the process of evacuations, road closures, control by EL.AS. there was reportedly full coordination and effective action due to the preparation of the Ministry of Civil Protection. Civil Protection Ministry officials say it was important to consolidate the operational centres of the co-competent bodies and there was central planning. He added, however, that the fact that there were no strong winds was a major blow to the reaction time and the evacuation plan.
The Week of
Fire officials estimate that, despite the contrary mentioned, there are no clear indications of an organized arson plan behind the fires in Attica and Evia, while several related suspicions exist about the fire in the wider area of Ancient Olympia. For the fire in Northern Greece there are indications that it comes from the cables of PPC, as had happened in the disasters of Kineta in 2018, in Kapandriti in 2017 and others. With the representatives of the TENDEI denying this possibility.
Source: in.gr
