26-Jul-07 pm - The photos for this coverage were taken this afternoon and evening by Harriet Jarman who accompanied the team of firefighters stationed at Palamitha. The team's task was one of damage limitation, cutting back undergrowth, chopping trees and where possible putting out manageable fires and damping down in an attempt to protect property in the area, but as you will see from the photos the main areas of fire were just too huge to be tackled.

Palamitha (Hydra's boat yard) is the next port of call going west along the coast after Vlichos End where another team were also preparing in anticipation of the fire sweeping down from Episcopi.

The fires were kept at bay along the top ridges for most of the afternoon by the water drops from the planes and helicopters, which by this point were having to cover a huge area inland. Anticipating where the fire would head was hampered by the winds that were much more brisk today. But of course as soon as the water drops had to stop when it became too dark for the pilots to see, the fires moved down towards the coast. Having done as much as was humanly possible, the team headed back to Hydra Town for much needed sleep.

In spite of having battled under very difficult circumstanses with nothing much in the way of protective clothing or useful equipment, the Palamitha team were in good spirits and determined to protect as much as they could. They will return at first light tomorrow to find out what more they can do.

In the early hours of this morning, back in Hydra town, residents in the area at the back of the stadium got an early morning wake up call and were evacuated. The Boutaris Mansion had a lucky escape. Just in the nick of time, the first helicopter of the morning flew over and dropped water on the fire stopping it approximately 10 meters from the back wall.

The beautiful bay of Limnioniza was not so lucky. Reports are that the fire raged right down to the beach itself and has even turned the umbrellas to cinders.

Again, we would like to say how brave the local fire fighters are and how we hope they all continue to stay safe. They are doing as much as is humanly possible to minimise damage and to help in very difficult circumstanses. After three days with hardly any sleep and constant worry it is amazing that they manage to keep going and be so cheerfully willing. We think you are all wonderful.

End of day three at Palamitha