Rhodes wildfire triggers large‑scale aerial and ground firefighting effort

A wildfire broke out on Saturday, 4 July 2026, at about 14:10 in the Atavuro area of Rhodes, between the villages of Emponas and Agios Isidoros. The fire is burning low vegetation on high ground where no forest exists and has been deemed especially dangerous because of the prevailing conditions. Greek authorities declared an alarm, mobilising fire services, civil‑protection units and volunteer organisations. Aerial assets stationed on Rhodes were launched to support the ground crews, and the deputy mayor of civil protection, Michalis Thomatos, confirmed the coordinated operation.

A separate blaze ignited around 12:45 in the Koufalia district of Thessaloniki, affecting dry grass and reeds. Twenty‑six firefighters, nine vehicles, two helicopters and additional water‑craft from the Central Macedonia region are combating the fire. No homes or infrastructure have been threatened, and investigators from the Thessaloniki arson‑crime unit are assessing the cause. Authorities have warned residents to avoid activities that could spark fires, citing a high fire‑risk forecast for northern Greece.