Patras fire at Rigano camp triggers large‑scale firefighting operation

On the afternoon of 4 July 2026 a fire broke out at the Rigano camp in Patras, Greece, creating two active fronts. Firefighters, police and municipal crews responded, deploying five large fire trucks, the town’s water tank, volunteer units and two JCB machines to tackle burning underground waste. The blaze proved difficult to extinguish, requiring soil to cover the hotspots and halt the underground combustion.

A second, smaller fire ignited nearby at the MOMA former military site, but was quickly contained. Thick smoke and strong odor spread across the area, raising concerns about air quality and public health. The incident highlights ongoing waste‑management problems and the strain on local emergency services.

Authorities are investigating the cause of the fires, particularly the role of illegal dumping and recent utility disruptions in the area.