New fire near Thessaloniki, tourists evacuated

A new forest fire broke out Thursday afternoon in northern Greece, near the popular tourist region of Halkidiki, prompting large-scale aerial operations and the evacuation of tourists. Firefighters deployed 142 personnel and 51 vehicles, supported by nine aircraft and seven helicopters, according to statements made on the X platform. The blaze started around 90 kilometers south of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, in a wooded area. Three evacuation alerts were issued for areas including Siviri and Fourka, affecting both residents and visitors in the region currently hosting a large number of guests. According to live footage broadcast by public television ERT, flames approached homes in the pine-covered area, which is highly flammable. On the beach of Fourka, tourists in swimwear with children in their arms began calmly evacuating by sea. Dozens headed toward a pier to be evacuated by boat, while smoke covered the sky above the holiday resort, as shown in real-time by ERT. Fifteen small boats have been mobilized to transport anyone wishing to leave, the station reported. The operation is proceeding smoothly without any pushing or panic. Numerous vehicles also attempted to leave the area, causing major traffic jams, according to the television network. According to ERT, the firefront spans three kilometers, and flames in the dense pine forest reach heights of 20 to 30 meters. The fire began in low vegetation and continues to rage out of control, approaching homes, reported ERT. The firefront advances toward the sea, and approximately 70 percent of people have been evacuated from the area, stated Themis Ierissiotis, a volunteer firefighter interviewed by ERT. Strong winds contribute to the rapid spread of the fire, which is near residential zones in Siviri and Fourka. Conditions are extreme and leave very little time for reaction, said Stratos Gitsoudis, president of the All-Hellenic Association of Forest Firefighters, during an interview with ERT. On Thursday, authorities raised the readiness level to five, the highest, due to the extreme risk of fires, particularly in Attica, central Greece, and Halkidiki. Local authorities in Halkidiki banned all movement in forested areas. The risk of fire remains extremely high for Friday, with predicted wind speeds reaching up to 100 kilometers per hour, according to civil protection services. The fire has prompted a coordinated response involving multiple agencies and resources. Firefighters continue to work under challenging conditions, battling the flames while ensuring the safety of residents and tourists. Evacuation efforts are ongoing, with local authorities emphasizing the importance of following official instructions to ensure the safety of everyone in the affected regions. Residents and visitors in the area have been advised to stay informed through local media and emergency services. The situation remains dynamic, with the potential for further developments depending on weather conditions and firefighting efforts. The fire's impact on the environment and local infrastructure is still being assessed, though no casualties have been reported so far.