Forest fire burns near Mola Kalyva in Halkidiki; 60 firefighters, one helicopter deployed
A forest fire broke out on Saturday afternoon in the Mola Kalyva area of the Kassandra peninsula. Ground crews assisted by a helicopter and municipal water tankers were working to contain the blaze.
Fire outbreak
A forest fire ignited on Saturday 25 July 2026 in the Mola Kalyva area, in the Kassandra municipality of Halkidiki. The Fire Service's operations centre was alerted shortly before 15:00 and immediately activated a large-scale response. The blaze was burning through forested terrain. By the time the first units arrived, flames were advancing through dry vegetation, though authorities stressed the fire was not approaching inhabited zones.
Firefighting deployment
Sixty firefighters were sent to the scene, along with two pedestrian units of the 2nd EMODE (Special Forest Operations Unit) and 20 fire engines. A helicopter was mobilized for aerial water drops. Volunteers also joined the effort. The municipality of Kassandra dispatched water tankers to reinforce the ground crews. The operation concentrated on containment lines to prevent spread toward the surrounding woodland.
Investigation begins
The cause of the fire remains unknown. The Halkidiki division of the Arson Crime Investigation Unit was activated to determine how it started. Officers were deployed to examine the point of origin and gather evidence.
Current situation
As of the early afternoon reports, the fire had not moved close to any residential area and posed no immediate threat to settlements. The Fire Service continued its aerial and ground operation into the late afternoon, aiming to bring the fire under full control before nightfall.
