Greece battles 60 wildfires in 24 hours, evacuations ordered in Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki
Firefighters tackled 60 agroforestry fires across Greece on Saturday, with 16 breaking out almost simultaneously in Central Macedonia, where the risk index hit category 4. Evacuation orders were issued for areas near Thessaloniki and Chalkidiki.
Wave of fires across Greece
On Saturday, 4 July 2026, Greece's fire service responded to 60 agroforestry fires within 24 hours, a number described as exceptionally high for a single day. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection confirmed the tally, noting that the majority broke out during the afternoon hours. The fires stretched firefighting resources thin, but rapid deployment of ground and aerial units prevented most from spreading into large-scale disasters.
Central Macedonia under extreme pressure
The region of Central Macedonia faced the most severe conditions, with a fire risk index of category 4 (very high). Sixteen fires ignited almost simultaneously after 12:30, forcing the fire service to disperse its forces across multiple fronts. The most dangerous blazes erupted near residential areas in Neoi Epivates, Kallikrateia, and Kristoni, where flames reached yards and auxiliary buildings. In Oreokastro, a fire that started around 20:30 threatened homes, prompting an evacuation order via the 112 emergency alert system.
Evacuations and emergency alerts
Authorities issued multiple 112 messages throughout the day. In Kallikrateia, residents of Ampelakia and Kipoupoli were told to evacuate towards Nea Kallikrateia, while elderly residents were preemptively moved. In Oreokastro, the alert at 20:52 instructed residents of Anthoupoli to leave towards Titan. In Koufalia, a 112 message at 13:55 urged residents to remain on standby, though the fire there did not directly threaten homes. The coordinated use of drones with optical and thermal cameras by the Unified Coordination Centre for Operations and Crisis Management (ESKEDIK) provided real-time monitoring of the fronts.
Firefighting response and containment
Across the country, firefighters, volunteers, and aerial assets worked to contain the blazes. In Attica, fires in Aspropyrgos, Spata, and the Saranta Martyres hill were quickly brought under control. On Rhodes, a fire near Emponas was contained with 30 firefighters and one helicopter. In Corfu, two fires in Vasilika and Apraos were controlled rapidly. By evening, the fires in Kallikrateia and Neoi Epivates had been contained, while operations continued in Kilkis and Koufalia. Civil Protection officials stressed that cleared plots around settlements played a critical role in limiting fire spread.
- Fire breaks out in Aspropyrgos, Attica.
- Fire starts in Spata, Attica.
- Multiple fires ignite in Central Macedonia; Koufalia and Vasilika fires begin.
- Fire reported in Emponas, Rhodes.
- Fire breaks out in Neoi Epivates, Thessaloniki; 112 alert sent.
- Fire starts in Kallikrateia, Chalkidiki; 112 evacuation orders follow.
- Fire erupts in Oreokastro, Thessaloniki; evacuation order at 20:52.
High risk continues into Sunday
The Civil Protection agency has forecast very high fire risk (category 4) for six regions on Sunday, 5 July, with much of the country remaining on alert. The simultaneous outbreak of multiple fires on Saturday tested the operational planning and highlighted the importance of immediate intervention in the first minutes of each incident. Despite the pressure, most fires were restricted to their initial stages, thanks to the swift mobilization of firefighting forces and local authorities.
