A large-scale fire has struck Halkidiki, one of the most visited tourist areas in Greece, forcing Greek authorities to urgently evacuate residents and holidaymakers from Siviri and Fourka. The situation has worsened due to strong winds, which have pushed the flames toward homes and the coastline.
The flames crossed the main road and reached the sea
The fire broke out after 14:00 and, under the influence of strong winds, quickly grew to a large scale. According to data reported by the authorities, the flames crossed the main road and advanced toward the coastal area, entering zones with holiday homes.
The fire front has stretched beyond 4 kilometres. So far, at least one home has been confirmed destroyed, while a full official assessment of damage to other properties is still unavailable.
Evacuations by land and sea
The risk of the flames spreading rapidly prompted authorities to send four warning messages through the 112 emergency number and to begin evacuating people by sea as well.
Coast Guard vessels, firefighting units and private boats removed residents and tourists from Siviri beach. At the same time, buses were made available to evacuate people from Siviri and Fourka.
Large firefighting operation, two firefighters injured
Deployed on the ground are 148 firefighters with 54 vehicles, as well as four foot teams. From the air, according to the official version, nine aircraft and seven helicopters are operating periodically. The response also includes 12 firefighters from Moldova.
During the operation, two firefighters were injured: one was taken to hospital with a leg injury, while the other experienced breathing problems.
Red alert in several regions of Greece
Halkidiki is not the only problematic area. According to Greek authorities, more than five regions of the country have been placed on red alert for the entire weekend because of high temperatures and winds that in some cases exceed 110 kilometres per hour.
Other fires have been reported in Aitoloakarnania and in Akontio of Boeotia, while the blazes in Vartholomio of Ilia in the Peloponnese and on Ofrinio beach in Kavala have been brought under control. In the last 24 hours alone, 40 agro-forestry fires have been recorded across Greece; 31 of them were contained in the initial phase, while nine remain active.
Arrests and investigations over fire outbreaks
Greek authorities say more than five arrests have been made in different regions of the country for causing fires or for violating fire protection rules.
Investigations into each new outbreak, according to Greek institutions, are ongoing, while the country faces another wave of fires at the peak of the tourist season.
Halkidiki remains one of the most popular destinations for holidaymakers from the Balkans, including Albanians, which makes the situation even more sensitive in the middle of the summer season.
For now, the full extent of the damage remains unclear, while the advance of the flames is being determined mainly by the wind and the pace of the response on the ground.