Fire breaks out in low vegetation near Profitis Ilias, Corinthia; 42 firefighters and 3 helicopters respond

Fire breaks out in Assos, Corinthia

A wildfire ignited in dry grass and agricultural land near the Profitis Ilias chapel in Assos, Corinthia, on the afternoon of Sunday, 26 July 2026. The Hellenic Fire Service's operations centre received the emergency call at approximately 19:45 local time and immediately launched a large-scale mobilization of ground and air assets. The fire was burning through low vegetation, which includes dry grass, weeds, and crop residue, typical of the area in late July when temperatures are high and rain is scarce.

Ground forces

A total of 42 firefighters were dispatched, including two specially formed pedestrian units from the 9th EMODE, a rapid-response disaster module of the Fire Service. They were joined by volunteers from the Corinth Forest Fire Protection group, a local organisation that supports official crews during wildfire incidents. The ground operation relies on 13 fire engines, which were deployed by the Corinth Fire Service, the regional command covering the area around Assos and the wider Corinthia prefecture. The firefighters and volunteers are working to create a containment line around the blaze and prevent it from spreading to nearby wooded areas.

Air support

To reinforce the ground efforts, three water-dropping helicopters were scrambled shortly after the alert. The helicopters are attacking the fire from above, dropping water on hotspots and the fire's head to slow its progress. This coordinated air-ground tactic is intended to contain the fire before it can reach more heavily vegetated slopes or farmland that could provide additional fuel.

Threat assessment

As of the latest official update on Sunday evening, no homes or infrastructure were under threat. The fire remained confined to a rural belt of agricultural fields and scrubland, well away from residential zones. There have been no reports of injuries or evacuations. The firefighting operation is continuing into the night, with the focus on encircling the fire and preventing it from jumping to adjacent forests. The low vegetation and moderate weather conditions are aiding the suppression effort.

Investigation into cause

The Corinthia Investigative Team for Arson Crimes was activated shortly after the fire was reported. This specialised unit will examine the area of origin for physical evidence, such as accelerant traces or multiple ignition points, and will interview any witnesses. The move is a standard step during the summer months, when fire risk is elevated, but the early activation indicates that authorities are treating the incident with full investigative rigor. The team's findings will be announced once the initial probe is complete.