Wildfire erupts near Perivolaki settlement in Thessaloniki; 112 alert activates, arson unit deployed
A wildfire broke out around 14:45 on Saturday in agricultural-forest land near Perivolaki, Lagkadas. 42 firefighters, 15 vehicles, and 2 helicopters are battling the blaze; the 112 emergency alert was sent to residents at 15:27.
Outbreak and initial reports
On Saturday, 11 July 2026, a wildfire broke out around 14:45 near the settlement of Perivolaki in the Lagkadas municipality of Thessaloniki. The blaze ignited in an agricultural-forest area with low vegetation and waste, adjacent to an irrigation canal and only a short distance from homes. Some first reports placed the ignition shortly after 15:00, but the Hellenic Fire Service confirmed the 14:45 start time. Within minutes, emergency services were notified and began mobilizing.
- Fire breaks out in agricultural-forest area near Perivolaki settlement.
- 112 emergency alert sent to residents, advising them to remain on standby.
Escalating response and resources deployed
The Fire Service initially dispatched 38 firefighters, 14 vehicles, and one water-dropping helicopter, according to early accounts from local media. By the time of the Fire Service's official update at 13:04 on the same day, the deployment had been stepped up to 42 firefighters, a pedestrian unit from the 2nd EMODE, 15 fire engines, and two helicopters. Water tankers provided by the Region of Central Macedonia also joined the effort. The fire was spreading on both sides of an agricultural canal, as reported by NEWS 24/7, with low shrub and debris fueling its advance. The larger air support reflected the need to protect the nearby Perivolaki settlement.
112 alert and resident preparedness
At 15:27, approximately 42 minutes after the fire started, the 112 emergency alert system was activated. A text message was sent to mobile phones in Perivolaki:
Activation of 112. Fire in the area Perivolaki of the Regional Unit of Thessaloniki. Remain on standby and follow the instructions of the Authorities.
The message did not call for evacuation but instructed residents to remain on standby and follow official directions. This alert was issued because the fire was close to the settlement, and authorities wanted the population ready to move if necessary.
Investigation and technological surveillance
The Arson Crime Investigation Unit of Thessaloniki was promptly dispatched to the scene to determine the cause of the blaze, a standard measure for wildfires near inhabited areas. Separately, the Unified Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management (ESKEDIK) deployed a drone equipped with optical and thermal cameras to provide real-time images of the fire front. This aerial surveillance allows the coordination center to monitor spread, detect hotspots through smoke, and allocate firefighting resources more effectively.
Ongoing efforts as of midday
As of the latest updates, the fire continued to burn in low vegetation and waste, but no injuries or structural damage were reported. Firefighters were actively working to prevent the fire from reaching the settlement, with ground crews and helicopters operating simultaneously. The situation remained dynamic, and the Fire Service maintained full deployment pending further developments.
