Wildfire in Plomari, Lesbos triggers 112 evacuation order amid strong winds
A fire that began in rubbish and dry grass near the old landfill of Plomari on Lesbos island spread quickly on Wednesday afternoon. Strong winds pushed the flames towards forested areas, leading authorities to send a 112 emergency alert calling for the evacuation of Plomari.
Outbreak and spread
A fire ignited around 14:00 on Wednesday 29 July 2026 in the Chalkielia area of Plomari, on the Greek island of Lesbos. The initial seat was reported near the old municipal landfill, among dry grass and refuse, close to mobile phone antennas. Strong winds blowing in the area immediately raised concerns about rapid expansion. By early afternoon the fire had already reached an agro-forestry zone with olive trees and pines, according to local news site lesvosnews.net. The island was on very high fire alert, category 4 on the national risk scale.
Emergency response
Greek Fire Service dispatched 24 firefighters, including two pedestrian units of the 12th EMODE (Special Unit for Forest Operations), along with 5 fire trucks. Three water-dropping helicopters were deployed for aerial suppression. Municipal water tankers from the municipality of Lesbos were also mobilized to support the ground crews. The strong winds complicated the suppression work, and authorities feared the flames could spread further into forested areas.
- Fire ignites in dry grass and refuse near the old landfill in Chalkielia, Plomari.
- 112 emergency alert sent: 'Remain on standby and follow the instructions of the Authorities.'
- Renewed 112 message calls for evacuation of Plomari as flames reach olive groves and pine stands.
- 24 firefighters, 5 vehicles, 3 helicopters and water tankers work to contain fire. Arson investigation unit activated.
112 alerts: from readiness to evacuation
The first emergency alert via the 112 system was sent at 14:13, advising those in the wider Plomari area to remain vigilant.
Remain on standby and follow the instructions of the Authorities.
Shortly afterward, as the fire grew, a renewed 112 message called on residents to evacuate Plomari itself. The exact time of that second alert was not specified, but it was reported by several outlets during the late afternoon.
Investigation and risk factors
The Fire Service activated the Investigator's Unit for Combating Arson Crimes in Lesvos to determine the cause of the fire. With the island under maximum fire risk (category 4), the combination of dry vegetation, waste material, and gusty winds created conditions for rapid spread. No injuries or structural damages had been confirmed by the time of the last reports.
