A wildfire ignited Saturday evening near the suburbs of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, prompting evacuations of three small settlements and a facility for people with special needs, the Hellenic Fire Service reported. The blaze started around 8:30 p.m. in a ravine in a mountainous area and spread rapidly to the plains, burning mostly brush. While no residences were damaged, several businesses were affected.
Evacuations and Response
Residents of Anthoupoli, Filothei, and Galini received text alerts to evacuate. A facility housing 157 individuals with special needs was also evacuated. About 120 of those who could walk were sheltered in a gym, while the rest were accommodated in a psychiatric hospital, local authorities said. Approximately 115 firefighters with 38 fire engines, along with an unknown number of volunteers, battled the blaze. Firefighting planes briefly engaged but could not operate after dark.
Arrest and Suspected Cause
Authorities announced overnight the arrest of a 76-year-old man on suspicion of starting the fire. According to the Hellenic Fire Service, he "appeared not to be sober." The fire service did not release further details about the suspect or the motive.
Impact on Thessaloniki
Residents of Thessaloniki could see flames and heard explosions as flammable materials inside businesses burned. A heavy cloud of smoke blanketed several suburbs and western areas of the city. Strong winds complicated containment efforts. There was no indication the fire was heading toward the city center, but firefighters remained on alert, with reinforcements expected.
Context of Wildfires in Greece
Greece, known for its long, hot, dry, and often windy summers, is prone to wildfires. The country managed to avoid major fires in June, but the first significant wildfire of the season struck central Greece on Wednesday, killing a man and his 12-year-old son and prompting evacuations. Additional blazes were burning Saturday around Thessaloniki, including in the Halkidiki Peninsula, a popular tourist destination, and the city of Kilkis to the north. Greece has so far been spared the extreme heat affecting much of the rest of Europe.
