Wildfire breaks out in Selinia, Salamina; 90 firefighters deployed, residents told to evacuate to beach

Fire breaks out near homes

At approximately 12:00 on Sunday, 19 July 2026, a wildfire ignited in a forested area of Selinia, a coastal settlement on the eastern side of Salamina island in the Attica Region, which encompasses the Greek capital. The flames spread rapidly through dry vegetation and soon approached scattered residences in the area. The Hellenic Fire Service immediately dispatched a large contingent: 90 firefighters, 3 pedestrian teams of the 1st Special Disaster Response Unit (EMODE), 23 fire engines, 2 water-dropping aircraft, and 1 helicopter. One news report mentioned the deployment of 2 helicopters, but the majority of sources, including official 112 messages, cited 1 helicopter. Municipal water tankers from the local government also joined the effort. The National Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management (ESKEDIK) monitored the fire's progression in real time using a drone equipped with thermal and optical cameras, providing incident commanders with continuous situational awareness.

Emergency alerts sent to residents

Authorities activated the 112 emergency alert system twice in quick succession. The first message was sent at 12:19, urging residents to remain on standby and follow official instructions.

Fire in the area of Selinia, Salamina, Attica Region. Remain on standby and follow the instructions of the authorities.

A second alert followed shortly after, this time ordering an immediate evacuation towards the beach of Selinia. That message also listed the resources deployed, reinforcing the scale of the response.

Fire in a forest area in Selinia, Salamina. 90 firefighters with 3 pedestrian teams of the 1st EMODE, 23 vehicles, 2 aircraft and 1 helicopter have been mobilized. Assistance from water tankers of the local government.

The evacuation order indicated that the fire posed a direct threat to residential structures, though no injuries or property damage had been reported by early afternoon. The use of the 112 system, which sends location-based alerts to mobile phones, ensured that residents received timely warnings.

Firefighting and monitoring efforts

Ground and air units worked in tandem to contain the blaze. The two aircraft and the helicopter conducted repeated water drops while ground crews cut firebreaks and worked to protect homes. The 23 vehicles included fire engines and water tankers, and the aerial assets provided crucial support in the difficult terrain. The 1st EMODE teams, trained in wildfire suppression and rescue operations, were deployed to protect homes and create containment lines. The drone feed from ESKEDIK allowed commanders to identify hot spots and adjust resource allocation dynamically. The fire remained active at the time of the latest updates, with no official containment figure released. Firefighters were expected to continue operations through the afternoon, aided by the aerial support and the water tankers.

Investigation into cause

Even as suppression efforts continued, the Piraeus Arson Crime Investigation Team was dispatched to Selinia. Their task is to examine the fire's origin and determine whether it was started deliberately or through negligence. Early deployment of arson investigators is standard procedure in Greek wildfires, particularly those that threaten populated areas, to preserve evidence before it is compromised by firefighting activities. The cause of the fire remains unknown pending their findings.