Thessproti wildfires force evacuation of Galatas village

Two simultaneous forest fires broke out in the Kampou Paramythias area of Thessproti, Greece, within about 20 minutes of each other on Saturday. The flames prompted authorities to issue a pre‑emptive evacuation order for the nearby settlement of Galatas, directing residents to move toward Karióti.

Firefighters deployed roughly 48 personnel, 15 ground vehicles, four water‑dropping aircraft and one helicopter, supported by water‑carrying units and regional work machines. The Directorate for the Investigation of Arson Crimes (DAEE) from Ioannina has opened a probe, citing the close timing and proximity of the two ignitions as suspicious.

The operation continues amid strong winds and high temperatures, with efforts focused on containing the blazes and preventing further spread.