Thessaloniki wildfire in Derbeni kills one, injures woman, forces evacuations

On 30 June 2026 a large wildfire erupted in low‑lying vegetation in Derbeni, part of the Oraiokastro municipality north of Thessaloniki, Greece. The fire spread rapidly into nearby forest, threatening the villages of Derbeni and Liti.

Fire‑fighting operations deployed 115 firefighters, three forest‑fighting teams, 36 vehicles, volunteers and aerial support with ten aircraft and three helicopters. Strong winds hampered containment efforts.

Authorities issued two emergency alerts via the 112 service: the first at 15:40 warned residents, and a second at 16:40 ordered evacuation of the village of Liti to a local field. Two houses suffered serious damage.

A 40‑year‑old woman was rescued with severe burns to her hands and thighs and was taken to the Surgical Clinic of Hippocrates Hospital in Thessaloniki. Firefighters also found a male victim dead inside the burned forest area; his identity was pending. The woman's 12‑year‑old son was reported missing.

The blaze remains classified as a level‑3 fire‑danger area, and fire service units, emergency medical services (EKAB) and police continue to patrol the perimeter.