Salamis Naval Base fire triggers emergency alerts in Greece

A fire broke out at the Salamis Naval Base on Tuesday afternoon, prompting authorities to issue a 112 emergency alert for residents in the Ano Vasilika and Nea Salamina (Bizani) areas. The blaze produced thick black smoke, which observers attributed to the burning of old tires and other materials.

Sources from the Hellenic Navy General Staff stated that the fire did not threaten naval installations, vessels, ammunition depots, or fuel stores, and no injuries were reported. The fire occurred in a former portable weapons firing range that is reportedly being used as a makeshift dumping ground for old equipment, including batteries, scrap metal, and tires.

The incident has raised questions regarding security and waste management at the base. While official sources maintained that the fire was contained, local reports suggest the area—an abandoned quarry within the base boundaries—has been used to store large quantities of waste instead of being sent for recycling. Firefighting efforts involved both the Fire Service and naval units, utilizing six Air Tractors and four helicopters to bring the blaze under control by sunset. An investigation by the Fire Service, in coordination with the Armed Forces, is underway to determine the exact cause.