Vouni Community: 'We Were Burning and the Fire Department Had No Water'

The community leader of Vouni, Matthaios Protopapas, attributed the extensive damage to the village to a lack of organization and planning. In statements to CYBC, he noted that fire trucks could not be supplied with water from a borehole due to a power outage, which was necessary to operate the turbine.

According to Mr. Protopapas, the borehole is located outside the burned-down chapel of Agios Ioannis Rossos and has been used in previous fires. He pointed out the lack of a generator to pump water, despite previous experiences with power outages during fires.

Mr. Protopapas emphasized that the village has narrow streets, unsuitable for large fire trucks, and expressed the need for smaller vehicles that could draw water from pools. He also mentioned the delayed arrival of aerial firefighting, despite timely notification of the Fire Department.

He stated that 35 houses were completely destroyed and 34 were damaged. Arrangements have been made to accommodate residents and provide financial assistance. Russians are at the burned-down chapel of Agios Ioannis Rossos to help with the cleanup.

Mr. Protopapas thanked those who helped, specifically mentioning the assistance from AEL fans, Apollon fans, and Omonia fans. He expressed the community's determination to be reborn.