Thessaloniki and Kilkis traffic ban imposed over fire risk

A temporary traffic ban for pedestrians and all motorised vehicles has been imposed in forested areas of the Thessaloniki metropolitan unit and parts of the Kilkis regional unit. The ban runs from 07:30 on Saturday 4 July 2026 until 07:30 on Sunday 5 July 2026, following a decision by Deputy Governor Kostas Gioutikas after the fire‑danger level was raised to category 4.

In Thessaloniki, the restricted zones include the Periastiko forest (Seich‑Sou) bounded by the regional road, the Oraiokastro forest, the Panorama forest and the Thermis forest area near the Environmental Park and Isenli forest. In Kilkis, the ban covers the Hill of the Heroes, the Metalliko reforestation area, the Hill of Saint George and the broader “Thousand Trees” forest, among others. An emergency meeting of the Regional Operational Coordination Body of Civil Protection was held to confirm the measures, and check‑points have been set up to enforce the restriction.