New wildfires have broken out in Greece’s regions of Boeotia, Thessaloniki, and Serres, raising concerns ahead of a high-risk Sunday for wildfires across several regions of Greece. Earlier on Saturday a fire also hit Crete’s region of Lasithi with authorities saying recently that the blaze has been contained.
The Fires
A rural fire broke out on Saturday afternoon in the area of Pentalofos in the municipality of Oraiokastro, Thessaloniki.
A total of 35 firefighters, 10 vehicles, a ground team from the 2nd Special Forest Firefighting Unit (EMODE), and a helicopter are on the scene. Water tankers and heavy machinery from local authorities are also assisting. The fire is not threatening residential areas.
At the same time, a forest fire erupted in the Melenikitsi area of the municipality of Herakleia in Serres. A force of 44 firefighters, 14 vehicles, a ground team from the 2nd EMODE, and three aircraft are battling the blaze, with support from local water tankers and equipment.
The fire began in a field of unharvested wheat.
In Boeotia, a wildfire is ongoing in a mixed rural and forested area between Thespies and Askri, near the Agios Georgios area of Neochori. The blaze is burning through olive groves and kermes oaks. Firefighting forces, including vehicles and ground crews, are operating in the area. The situation is being closely monitored in coordination with all responsible agencies.
Meanwhile, in Sitia, Crete, a major firefighting operation continues to contain a fire still burning in Epano and Kato Krya.
Shortly after 1:00 PM on Saturday, Emergency Alert 112 was activated, sending a message to residents to remain on alert and follow the authorities’ instructions.
According to the Fire Department, firefighting efforts are progressing satisfactorily, despite the difficult conditions caused by strong winds in the area.
Sunday Fire Risk – High Alert in Several Regions
A very high risk of wildfires (category 4) is forecast for tomorrow, Sunday, in the Dodecanese, parts of Crete, and the North Aegean, according to the Fire Risk Prediction Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection (GSCP) of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection (civilprotection.gov.gr).
Specifically, category 4 fire danger is forecast for Sunday, June 15, in the following areas:
- Region of Crete (Regional Units of Lasithi and Heraklion)
- Region of North Aegean (Regional Units of Samos and Ikaria)
- Region of South Aegean (Dodecanese)
The GSCP has alerted all relevant state agencies, as well as regional and municipal authorities in these areas, to be in heightened readiness for civil protection in case of fire incidents.
At the same time, the GSCP advises citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid activities that could cause fires through negligence, such as:
- Burning dry grass, branches, or debris
- Using spark-producing machinery (e.g., angle grinders, welding tools)
- Outdoor grilling
- Smoking out beehives
- Discarding lit cigarettes
It is also reminded that burning fields is strictly prohibited during the fire season.
If citizens detect a fire, they are urged to immediately call the Fire Service at 199.
