Greece wildfire alert: Mass evacuations in Halkidiki amid extreme fire risk FAST-MOVING

wildfires Halkidiki evacuations civil protection weather alerts

Greece is facing extreme wildfire risks and severe weather conditions. The General Secretariat for Civil Protection has issued high-level alerts, placing several regions, including Attica, parts of Central Greece, and the Peloponnese, under Category 5 (extreme risk) or Red Code status.

A major wildfire in the Halkidiki region has forced the evacuation of hundreds of tourists and residents. In the seaside areas of Siviri and Fourka, people were evacuated by sea using fire boats, Coast Guard vessels, and private boats. The firefighting operation in Halkidiki involves over 140 firefighters, nine aircraft, and seven helicopters, battling flames that have reached heights of up to 30 meters.

Weather conditions are complicating containment efforts, with strong winds in the Aegean expected to reach up to 9 Beaufort. While some areas may see local rain and thunderstorms, the prevailing high winds and dry vegetation continue to pose a significant threat across much of the country.

Entities

Attica · Chalkidiki · Crete · Evangelos Tornaras · Evangelos Tournas · Fire Service · France · General Secretariat for Civil Protection · Giannis Artopios · Greece · Greek Fire Service · Halkidiki

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how well corroborated each claim is across sources.

[○ 1 SOURCE] A 16-year-old was arrested in Chania for allegedly starting a fire in the Akrotiri area.
[● 17 SOURCES] Extreme fire risk (category 5) is forecast for Attica, Boeotia, Evia, Argolida, Corinthia, and Lesvos for Thursday, August 13, 2026. www.economistas.gr · best-tv.gr · grtimes.gr · www.tokarfi.gr · dimos-kamenon-vourlon.gr
[● 17 SOURCES] Authorities have implemented prohibitions on vehicle traffic and outdoor activities in several forest and protected areas. ermisnews.gr · www.vita.gr · www.agon.gr · zantetimes.gr · www.fatsimare.gr · +1 more
[● 33 SOURCES] The General Secretariat for Civil Protection issued a Fire Risk Forecast Map. www.vita.gr · www.economistas.gr · best-tv.gr · www.agon.gr · grtimes.gr · +6 more
[● 22 SOURCES] Very high fire risk (category 4) is forecast for several regions including Crete, Peloponnese, Central Greece, North Aegean, South Aegean, and Eastern Macedonia and Thrace. www.vita.gr · www.economistas.gr · grtimes.gr · www.tokarfi.gr
[● 9 SOURCES] Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tornaras stated that the upcoming day is extremely critical due to expected gale-force winds. best-tv.gr · grtimes.gr · www.tokarfi.gr · www.irafina.gr
[● 7 SOURCES] Authorities report that between 40 and 50 fire incidents are being recorded daily. www.irafina.gr · www.evimaserres.gr
[● 3 SOURCES] The fire broke out near Siviri on the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki. skopjeinfo.mk
[○ 1 SOURCE] Halkidiki was at a level 4 out of 5 fire risk level at the time of the outbreak.
[● 9 SOURCES] Authorities issued emergency alerts via the 112 system to residents and tourists in the Kassandra peninsula. skopjeinfo.mk · 360stepeni.mk · dnevnik.hr · adevarul.ro
[● 13 SOURCES] Evacuations were ordered for residents and tourists in Siviri, with some being moved by sea via the Coast Guard and private boats. skopjeinfo.mk · dnevnik.hr · 360stepeni.mk · ca.news.yahoo.com · mix929.com · +2 more
[● 2 SOURCES] Strong winds may have caused an electric pole to fall, creating a spark that ignited the area. skopjeinfo.mk