Thessaloniki and Kilkis placed under very high wildfire risk as Greece warns of dozens of fires

The Greek Civil Protection authority has issued a very high (category 4) wildfire risk warning for Monday 13 July 2026 in the regional units of Thessaloniki and Kilkis, with a high (category 3) alert in parts of Chalkidiki and other mainland and island areas. The ministry has activated the second stage of operational readiness, increasing aerial surveillance, ground patrols and placing fire‑service personnel on partial alert. Traffic bans have been imposed in forested national parks and residents have been urged to avoid activities that could spark fires, such as burning dry grass, using spark‑producing tools, open grills or smoking.

Across Greece, dozens of fires have erupted in the 24‑hour period, with reports of 37, 50 and up to 60 separate incidents, many concentrated in Central Macedonia. Authorities have used the emergency number 112 to advise evacuations and keep the public informed, while urging anyone who sees smoke to call the fire‑service line 199. The combined response highlights the heightened operational pressure on fire‑fighting units as temperatures rise and vegetation dries, creating conditions for rapid fire spread.