Deadly Oraiokastro Wildfire in Thessaloniki kills father and son

A wildfire erupted near the provincial road at Derbeni in the Oraiokastro area of Thessaloniki, rapidly spreading across dry grass toward the village of Liti. Investigators say the blaze was likely sparked by a discarded lit cigarette from a driver, with three vehicles— a truck at 14:11, a white car with open windows two minutes later, and a red car a minute after that—passing the site shortly before the fire started.

The fire engulfed a house about two kilometres away, killing a 65‑year‑old retired teacher and his 12‑year‑old son, Maximos. Their mother survived with severe burns. Firefighters contained the blaze after it reached the Liti settlement, and the three drivers have been identified and are under investigation. In the same 24‑hour period Greece recorded 44 forest fires, 41 of which were quickly controlled.

Authorities continue to examine the cause and hold the drivers accountable while urging the public to exercise caution with cigarettes in fire‑prone areas.