Wildfire near Thessaloniki forces evacuations, toxic cloud spreads over city
A wildfire that started Saturday evening in a ravine near Oreokastro spread to industrial sites, sending a plume of toxic smoke over Greece's second-largest city and prompting evacuations of several suburbs.
Fire breaks out and spreads
A wildfire ignited around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday in a ravine in a mountainous area near Oreokastro, northwest of Thessaloniki. The flames spread quickly through brush and into the plains, driven by strong winds. By nightfall, the fire had reached an industrial zone, setting several businesses alight. Residents of the suburbs Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini received evacuation orders via text message. A facility housing 157 people with special needs was also evacuated; about 120 of them were sheltered in a gym, while the rest were moved to a psychiatric hospital.
Industrial sites ignite, toxic cloud forms
The fire engulfed a recycling plant and an oil treatment facility, producing thick black smoke that drifted over western and central Thessaloniki. The smoke carried a strong smell of burnt plastic and prompted health warnings. Fire service spokesman Yiannis Artopoios described the operation as highly complex due to the release of toxic smoke and carbon monoxide, requiring firefighters to wear special protective masks. Mayor Simos Daniilidis of Neapolis-Sykeon said the destruction was enormous, with dozens or even hundreds of explosions heard overnight.
We are focusing on the recycling plant from which a dense smoke is emanating, and due to the wind direction, much of the smoke has moved towards the Thessaloniki area.
The destruction is enormous and during the night there were dozens, if not hundreds, of explosions.
Firefighting efforts and evacuations
More than 160 firefighters, supported by 50 vehicles and volunteer groups, battled the blaze through the night. Aircraft joined the effort at first light on Sunday and managed to contain the forest front of the fire. While no homes were reported damaged, local businesses and factories producing lubricants, petroleum products and textiles were destroyed. Authorities advised residents to keep windows closed and limit movement due to potentially toxic air.
- Fire ignites in a ravine near Oreokastro, spreads quickly through brush.
- Residents of Anthoupoli, Filothei, Galini and a special-needs facility evacuated; flames reach industrial zone.
- 76-year-old man arrested on suspicion of starting the fire.
- Forest fire front contained; firefighting aircraft join operation.
- Industrial fire at recycling and oil plants continues, toxic smoke drifts over Thessaloniki.
Arrest and investigation
Around midnight, the fire service announced the arrest of a 76-year-old man on suspicion of starting the fire. He "appeared not to be sober," the service said. The man appeared before a prosecutor on Sunday, according to judicial sources.
Broader fire risk
Greece has experienced a relatively mild start to the wildfire season, with no serious damage in June. However, a separate fire in central Greece on Wednesday killed a father and his 12-year-old son. On Sunday, several regions including Athens, Attica and Crete were placed under an orange alert for very high fire risk due to high temperatures and strong winds. Additional blazes were reported near Thessaloniki, in the Halkidiki Peninsula and the city of Kilkis.
