Forest fire breaks out on Samos island, 32 firefighters deployed to remote Mount Karvouni area
A forest fire broke out on Friday evening in a remote area of Mount Karvouni on Samos island, Greece. No homes or infrastructure are threatened, but 32 firefighters and a drone are deployed.
Fire breaks out in remote forest on Samos
On the evening of Friday, July 24, 2026, a forest fire ignited in the "Profitis Ilias" area of Mount Karvouni on the Greek island of Samos. The Fire Service Operations Center received the alert at approximately 22:30 local time. The blaze is burning in a densely wooded, difficult-to-access area that is far from any residential zones or critical infrastructure. Mount Karvouni is a forested mountain in the central part of the island. The remote location has so far prevented any immediate threat to homes or buildings, but the rugged terrain is complicating firefighting efforts.
Firefighting resources mobilized
A total of 32 firefighters have been deployed to the scene. The contingent includes a specialized team from the 14th Special Disaster Response Unit (EMODE) of the Hellenic Fire Service, along with volunteer firefighters. Ten fire engines are supporting the ground operation. The 14th EMODE is trained for complex rescue and firefighting operations in difficult terrain. Crews are working in challenging conditions to contain the fire front and prevent it from spreading further into the forest. The inaccessible nature of the terrain requires firefighters to approach on foot in some areas.
Aerial surveillance via drone
Throughout the incident, the National Coordination Center for Operations and Crisis Management (ESKEDIK) is receiving a continuous live feed from a drone. The unmanned aircraft is equipped with both optical and thermal cameras, providing real-time situational awareness to command staff. The drone feed is transmitted in real time, allowing for rapid decision-making. This aerial perspective is valuable for directing ground units and monitoring fire behavior in the hard-to-reach terrain. The thermal imaging helps detect hotspots and track the fire's movement even through smoke.
Arson investigation activated
The Arson Investigation Unit based in Lesvos has been activated to determine the cause of the fire. Investigators will examine the scene for any evidence of deliberate ignition. The cause of the blaze remains unknown at this stage. The unit will work alongside local fire officials to collect evidence. The deployment of the arson unit is standard procedure for forest fires in Greece, particularly those in remote areas where natural causes are less likely.
Containment efforts continue
Firefighting operations are ongoing, with the primary objective being the immediate containment of the fire. No injuries or evacuations have been reported. The fact that the fire is located in a remote forest area has kept it away from populated zones, but crews remain on high alert to prevent any change in direction or intensity. Authorities are monitoring weather conditions that could affect the fire's behavior. The operation is expected to continue through the night.
