Thessaloniki Wildfire Near Koufalia Contained After Intensive Response

A wildfire broke out around noon on Saturday in low vegetation near the village of Koufalia, about three kilometres long and roughly one kilometre from the settlement. Strong winds were blowing, but they were directed away from the inhabited area, preventing any threat to homes or infrastructure.

Greek emergency services deployed 26 firefighters, two EMODE hiking teams, volunteers, nine fire engines and two helicopters (temporarily halted) along with municipal water trucks and hydrants. Drones provided continuous visual and thermal monitoring. Although the fire showed signs of improvement, re‑ignitions were reported due to the wind, and authorities kept residents on alert with an 112 warning message. This was the third fire in the region within two days, but no casualties were reported.

The situation remains under observation, with the National Crisis Management Centre reviewing the incident and the local arson investigation unit examining possible causes.