Fire guts car dealership on Vouliagmenis Avenue in Glyfada, arson probe opened

The fire

A fire broke out in the early hours of Saturday, 31 October, at a car dealership on Vouliagmenis Avenue in Glyfada. Kathimerini and in.gr say the fire service was alerted shortly after 03:00, while SKAI gives the start of the blaze as 03:05 at number 156 on the avenue. The three-storey building was reported to be engulfed in flames, and vehicles inside the showroom were completely destroyed.

Firefighting and evacuation

Firefighters needed about two hours to bring the blaze under control. Reports differ on the size of the response, with 20 firefighters cited by NewsIT, Kathimerini and SKAI, 28 by iefimerida and 33 by in.gr. Eight vehicles were sent to the scene in the reports from NewsIT, Kathimerini and SKAI. As a precaution, authorities evacuated an apartment block next to the dealership, according to NewsIT and iefimerida. iefimerida reports no injuries.

Arson inquiry

The fire service's investigating unit opened an inquiry at the scene to establish the cause. NewsIT reports that authorities consider arson the most likely scenario, though all possibilities remain open. Kathimerini notes that no official conclusion has yet been reached. SKAI, citing police sources, says an explosion preceded the fire and that remnants of two small gas canisters were found on site.

Damage and investigation

SKAI reports damage to three vehicles and to parts of the dealership premises. Investigators are seeking witness accounts and footage from security cameras in the area to determine whether anyone set the fire. Citizens posted videos of the blaze on social media, which iefimerida says show its size.