# Wildfires and building fires in Greece > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/20260927-wildfires-in-greece > Updated: 2026-09-27T18:23:00.000Z. Sources: 59. Developments: 2. Wildfires have been reported in different regions of Greece. In the Ano Vrontou area of Serres, a fire broke out in an agricultural-forest zone, reportedly following lightning activity. The Greek Fire Service responded with 15 firefighters, a specialized hiking team, and aerial support. In Lesvos, a wildfire ignited in the Koumkos area between Parakoiloi and Agra, affecting low vegetation and shrubs in difficult-to-reach terrain. The blaze has been exacerbated by very strong winds. The Greek Fire Service has deployed 25 firefighters, eight vehicles, and a specialized hiking team from the 12th EMODE, supported by local volunteers and municipal water tankers. While the fire is visible from areas including Kalloni and Nyfida, there are currently no reports of threats to residential areas. Additionally, a major fire occurred in the early hours of Monday, September 28, in Nea Ionia at a cafeteria located on the ground floor of a three-story building on Kastamonis Street. The blaze began around 04:30 and spread rapidly, causing extensive damage to the establishment and residential units across all three floors, affecting approximately nine to 16 apartments. Firefighters, including 18 personnel and five vehicles equipped with specialized ladder and boom trucks, conducted rescue operations. Some residents escaped through the main entrance, while others were rescued from the rooftop due to thick smoke. Witnesses reported hearing a ‘loud explosion’ immediately preceding the fire. The Athens Arson Crimes Investigation Unit and the Fire Brigade are conducting an intensive inquiry. Preliminary findings, including traces of flammable liquids, have led authorities to investigate arson as a primary scenario, though they are also considering whether the fire was caused by a gas cylinder explosion. Investigators are also reviewing whether there is a connection to a fatal shooting involving the ‘Lions’ gang that occurred at the same location in February 2023. ## Claims - The fire broke out in a cafe on Kastamonis Street in Nea Ionia around 04:30 on Monday, September 28, 2026. (disputed by 28 sources) - The response includes 18 firefighters and 5 vehicles. (disputed by 17 sources) - A fire broke out in the Koumkos area of Lesvos on Sunday evening, September 27, 2026. (disputed by 3 sources) - The response includes 25 firefighters and 8 vehicles. (disputed by 3 sources) - The fire spread to a three-story apartment building, causing extensive damage to multiple floors. (corroborated by 27 sources) - Residents reported hearing three loud explosions before the fire started. (corroborated by 21 sources) - The cafe was the site of a fatal shooting involving the 'Lions' gang in February 2023. (corroborated by 19 sources) - Some residents were forced to flee to the rooftop to escape thick smoke. (corroborated by 14 sources) - Authorities are investigating the possibility of arson or a gas cylinder explosion. (corroborated by 8 sources) - The fire is burning mainly shrubs and low vegetation. (corroborated by 3 sources) - A hiking team from the 12th EMODE is participating in the operation. (corroborated by 3 sources) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-27: Nea Ionia cafe fire triggers arson investigation A major fire destroyed a cafe and damaged a three-story apartment building in Nea Ionia, Athens. Authorities are investigating the incident as suspected arson, potentially linked to a 2023 gang-related shooting 57 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lesvos-wildfire-breaks-out-in-koumkos-area ### 2026-09-13: Serres wildfires: Firefighters battle blaze in Ano Vrontou A wildfire triggered by lightning activity broke out in the Ano Vrontou area of Serres, Greece, prompting a response from firefighters, ground teams, and an aerial helicopter. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/serres-wildfires-firefighters-battle-blaze-in-ano-vrontou --- Cite as: Wildfires and building fires in Greece. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/20260927-wildfires-in-greece