Phocis forest fire triggers massive firefighting deployment FAST-MOVING

On August 1, 2026, a large forest fire erupted in the Skáloma area of Phocis (Φωκίδα) and quickly spread to nearby dry vegetation. The blaze prompted a major response from the Greek Fire Service.

Ground crews included 28–64 firefighters, multiple fire‑engine units and a foot‑patrol team. Aerial assets comprised up to nine water‑dropping aircraft and three helicopters, supported by local municipal water‑tanks and machinery.

In the neighboring Kamylobrysi area of Fthiotida, 35 firefighters, 11 vehicles and three aircraft plus a helicopter were deployed. The emergency medical service EKAB placed six ambulances on standby and transferred two mobility‑restricted residents to a health centre.

Authorities issued 112 alerts ordering residents of the villages Kliama, Pigi, Koukoura and Nea Koukoura to evacuate toward Pevka and Evpaleo. The fire was classified as a Category‑4 high‑danger incident, and a criminal investigation unit was activated to determine the cause.

Smoke from the blaze was reported to have traveled over 750 km, reaching the coast of North Africa. The situation remained dynamic, with fire‑fighting efforts continuing across Phocis, Boeotia and the Porto Germano area, where up to 420 firefighters and 30 aerial units were engaged.