Thessaloniki faces major wildfire surge as 51 fires spark massive response

Over a 24‑hour period, Greece recorded 51 agricultural‑forest fires, with the greatest concentration in Central Macedonia. The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection warned that the simultaneous blazes strain firefighting resources and demand rapid coordination.

The most demanding incident occurred near Thessaloniki in the Derbeni area of the Orio Kastro district, described as one of the toughest fires of the day. The operation mobilised 120 firefighters, 33 fire vehicles, four foot‑patrol teams, volunteers, five water‑tankers, five aerial pumps, three helicopters and two monitoring drones. International aid arrived from Moldova, with 12 firefighters and three vehicles under the EU pre‑deployment programme.

A separate blaze broke out in the Livadi community of the Therma municipality, being tackled by 46 firefighters, three foot‑patrol teams, 11 fire engines and volunteer crews. The fire was contained away from homes and prompted the activation of a special criminal‑investigation unit.

Police detained a 51‑year‑old man accused of starting the Evkarpia fire after using a grass‑cutting machine near the Derbeni environmental park. The incident underscores the continued prevalence of human negligence, which the Fire Service reports accounts for the majority of recent arson‑related fines and arrests.

Authorities also issued a very high (level 4) fire‑risk alert for the South Aegean, especially Rhodes, recommending heightened vigilance and restrictions in forested zones.