# Halkidiki wildfire in Greece

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/halkidiki-wildfire-in-greece
> Updated: 2026-08-14T03:54:10.000Z. Sources: 40. Developments: 2.

A devastating wildfire in the Halkidiki region of Greece, specifically affecting areas such as Sithonia and Sivri, has transitioned from an active front to a phase of recession. Investigations by the Arson Crimes Directorate (DAEE) suggest the blaze was caused by an electrical grid short circuit after strong winds caused a tree to fall onto a power pole.

The fire necessitated large-scale evacuations, with 481 people moved to safety, some via sea to Sani and Thessaloniki, due to high tourist activity and limited road access. Reported damage includes homes in the Nautilos settlement and the Sithonia theater. Additional infrastructure damage has been confirmed, including a biological treatment plant and vehicles in residential areas.

Firefighting efforts involved hundreds of personnel, including specialized units and a contingent from Moldova participating in a European pre-deployment program. While the main fire front has been significantly contained, crews continue to battle scattered active hotspots in difficult terrain and ravines to prevent reignition. The road connecting Kassandra to Foukra remains closed as authorities monitor the situation. During the operation, two firefighters required medical treatment, one for illness and another for a sprain.

Recent assessments indicate that approximately 4,000 stremma of forest land were burned. While the fire in Siviri has been brought under control, authorities remain on high alert for potential flare-ups driven by strong winds. Aerial support, consisting of six aircraft and one helicopter, remains active to assist ground crews in managing difficult-to-reach areas.

## Claims

- The fire in Sithonia, Halkidiki, is no longer a single active front but consists of scattered hotspots. (corroborated by 20 sources)
- The firefighting operation involved 227 firefighters, 13 EMODE pedestrian teams, and 57 vehicles. (corroborated by 18 sources)
- A total of 481 people were evacuated to safe locations. (corroborated by 15 sources)
- Twelve firefighters and three vehicles from Moldova participated in the operation. (corroborated by 13 sources)
- The fire caused damage to houses in the Nautilos settlement and the Sithonia theater. (corroborated by 12 sources)
- The fire burned approximately 3,500 stremma of forest land. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The road from Kassandra to Foukra remains closed. (corroborated by 4 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-14: Halkidiki wildfire contained after evacuating hundreds

A large wildfire in Siviri, Halkidiki, has been contained after burning 3,500 stremma of land. Authorities evacuated 481 people by land and sea, with Moldovan firefighters providing international support.

39 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/halkidiki-wildfires-enter-recession-as-crews-battle-scattered-hotspots

### 2026-08-13: Halkidiki wildfire caused by electrical grid short circuit

A wildfire in Halkidiki, Greece, was caused by an electrical grid short circuit after winds knocked a tree onto a power pole. Firefighters remain on alert to prevent reignition.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/halkidiki-wildfire-caused-by-electrical-grid-short-circuit

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Cite as: Halkidiki wildfire in Greece. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/halkidiki-wildfire-in-greece