A major forest fire in Greece, last night, came within a few metres of destroying the Adventist Youth campsite, Camp Kalamos. The camp is located in a beautiful forested area on the coast 50km north-east of Athens.
Campers were evacuated to the beach as strong winds fanned flames within 300 metres of the site. Calls for prayer went out as church leaders monitored the situation.
At 3 am local time, Greek Mission president, Claudio Gulyas wrote, “A couple of hours ago the camp area was in danger of burning up due to the strong fire in the surrounding area. As the fire was getting close to the camp, praise to God, one fire engine came in and after hard work, hand-in-hand with them, now the camp site is safe.”
Dean Papaioannou, whose family was staying at the site, reported that one of two fire fronts died completely while a third front went around the side of the camp and moved on. However, he said, “the fire is far from over. I can hear the shattering of glass as houses burn down.”
As of this morning, a fire engine remains at the site for safety reasons. Six Adventist men are also on site monitoring the situation. Gulyas says there is a need to stay around the site just in case the fire should reignite due to a change in wind direction.
Today, church leaders and youth are expressing thanks for answered prayer while expressing their sorrow and concern for those in the area who have lost property and personal belongings.
