Greek firefighters deploy in Proti as forest fire breaks out near mountain refuge

Outbreak near the Proti mountain refuge

A forest fire broke out in a wooded tract near the mountain refuge of Proti in the regional unit of Serres late on Saturday evening. The Operations Centre of the Fire Service received the emergency notification regarding the incident at approximately 22:45. The fire manifested in dense forest land situated close to the refuge structure, initiating an operational response across regional emergency services. Emergency dispatches confirmed the location of the blaze in the Proti sector shortly before 23:00 on 22 August 2026. Responders moved rapidly toward the reported coordinates to assess the active front and prevent flames from expanding across the wooded landscape. The initial alert required immediate coordination among local authorities and regional emergency dispatchers to secure the forested zone.

Deployment of specialized firefighting forces

Emergency authorities deployed a focused ground contingent to confront the flames in the wooded area of Proti. The mobilization assembled 24 firefighters operating with six specialized firefighting vehicles directly on the fire line. The operational force includes two foot teams from the 2nd Special Forestry Operations Unit (2nd EMODE), specialized in tackling forest blazes in rugged terrain. These pedestrian crews operate in sectors where standard vehicular access is constrained by the natural topography. The deployed teams established working lines around the perimeter of the refuge to manage suppression efforts during the night. Firefighters worked in difficult nighttime conditions to contain the fire within the immediate forested sector.

Municipal logistical coordination in Amphipolis

The Municipality of Amphipolis was mobilized alongside state fire services to provide logistical support at the scene. Municipal authorities dispatched water-carrying vehicles to assist the Fire Service with sustained water replenishment during the operation. These municipal water tankers operate in coordination with the six frontline fire vehicles to ensure continuous water delivery to crews in the field. Local emergency mechanisms were engaged to maintain logistical flow as ground units worked through the late evening hours. The joint mobilization between municipal personnel and state firefighters provides the essential resources required to combat the blaze across the wooded area. Municipal assistance helps relieve pressure on firefighting vehicles operating far from urban water infrastructure.

Operational timeline of the response

The response operation in Serres began immediately after the incident was reported to emergency dispatchers on Saturday night. The alert registered at 22:45 prompted the dispatch of ground crews and heavy municipal equipment within minutes. Both the pedestrian teams of the 2nd EMODE and municipal water carriers were coordinated to reach the refuge area simultaneously. Fire suppression and containment measures continued through the night under the direction of the local fire command. The swift mobilization ensured that resources were positioned on site before the fire could expand across adjacent forestry parcels.

Investigation by the Serres arson division

The Arson Crimes Investigation Department of Serres was activated to conduct a formal investigation into the origins of the forest fire. Specialized investigative personnel were deployed to determine whether the blaze near the Proti shelter resulted from negligence, accidental causes, or deliberate arson. The investigative unit began gathering preliminary evidence at the site while suppression operations continued in the surrounding forest. The specialized branch carries statutory responsibility for establishing the circumstances of forest fires throughout the Serres regional unit. Inquiries by the investigation department remain ongoing as firefighting crews work to maintain control over the fire front.