Wildfire Near Thessaloniki Triggers Evacuations Amid Strong Winds
THESSALONIKI-A fast-moving wildfire swept across the outskirts of Greece’s second-largest city late Saturday, prompting evacuation orders for several communities, damaging businesses and sending thick smoke across parts of Thessaloniki as firefighters battled to contain the blaze under difficult weather conditions.
The fire broke out at about 8:30 p.m. in a ravine within a mountainous area north of the city before spreading rapidly into lower plains, fueled by strong winds, according to the Hellenic Fire Service. The blaze burned primarily through brushland, while authorities said homes were spared despite damage to several commercial properties.
Emergency authorities ordered residents of the settlements of Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini to evacuate through text-message alerts as a precaution while firefighting operations intensified.
A residential facility accommodating 157 people with special needs was also evacuated. Local authorities said around 120 residents who were able to walk were transferred to a gymnasium for temporary shelter, while those requiring additional medical care were relocated to a psychiatric hospital.
Overnight, authorities arrested a 76-year-old man on suspicion of starting the wildfire. The Hellenic Fire Service said the suspect appeared to be intoxicated, and an investigation into the cause of the blaze is continuing.
The rapidly advancing flames were visible from large parts of Thessaloniki, while explosions were heard as combustible materials inside affected businesses caught fire. A dense cloud of smoke spread across several western districts and suburban neighborhoods, reducing visibility and affecting nearby communities.
The firefighting operation involved approximately 115 firefighters, supported by 38 fire engines and volunteers. Water-dropping aircraft were deployed during daylight hours but suspended operations after nightfall because of operational limitations.
Fire officials said there was no immediate indication that the wildfire was advancing toward the urban center of Thessaloniki. However, crews remained on high alert as strong winds continued to hamper containment efforts, and additional firefighting resources were expected to reinforce operations.
The Thessaloniki wildfire came only days after Greece experienced its first major wildfire of the summer season. A blaze in central Greece on Wednesday claimed the lives of a man and his 12-year-old son and forced nearby communities to evacuate.
Authorities were also responding to separate wildfires elsewhere in northern Greece on Saturday, including fires on the Halkidiki Peninsula, one of the country’s most popular tourist destinations, and near the city of Kilkis north of Thessaloniki.
Greece routinely faces destructive wildfires during its long, dry and windy summer months. Although much of Europe has experienced intense heat in recent weeks, Greece has so far avoided the extreme temperatures affecting several neighboring countries, though fire officials continue to warn that dry vegetation and persistent winds remain capable of driving dangerous wildfire outbreaks.
