A fast‑moving wildfire erupted on Saturday evening near the outskirts of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second‑largest city, triggering urgent evacuations and a massive emergency response. The blaze, which began around 8:30 p.m. in a ravine in a mountainous area, spread rapidly across dry brushland and into the plains, fueled by strong winds and scorching summer conditions.
Residents in the small northern suburbs of Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini received text alerts instructing them to leave immediately. A facility housing 157 people with special needs was also evacuated; about 120 residents able to walk were moved to a gym, while others were transferred to a psychiatric hospital for safety.
Authorities announced overnight that a 76‑year‑old man had been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. According to the Hellenic Fire Service, the man “appeared not to be sober” at the time of the incident.
Flames were visible from Thessaloniki itself, and residents reported hearing explosions as flammable materials inside nearby businesses ignited. A thick cloud of smoke blanketed several western suburbs, adding to the sense of urgency as firefighters battled the blaze.
More than 115 firefighters, 38 engines, and numerous volunteers were deployed, while firefighting aircraft made brief passes before darkness halted aerial operations. Although there was no indication the fire was advancing toward the city center, crews remained on high alert as shifting winds complicated containment efforts.
The wildfire comes just days after Greece’s first major blaze of the season in central Greece, which killed a man and his 12‑year‑old son and forced evacuations. Additional fires were also burning Saturday in the Halkidiki Peninsula, a popular holiday destination, and near Kilkis to the north.
Greece has so far avoided the extreme heat gripping much of Europe, but its long, hot, dry summers continue to make the country highly vulnerable to fast‑moving wildfires.
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