Greece Wildfire Crisis
Arson suspect arrested as Thessaloniki wildfire forces evacuations and destroys nearby industrial plants.
Key Points
In Oreokastro, near Thessaloniki, the blaze destroyed two industrial plants — a recycling plant and a textile factory — and authorities used aerial water drops to cool hotspots, aiming to limit the release of hazardous substances and prevent new outbreaks.
Mayor Simos Daniilidis said the destruction was extensive and described the scene by noting, 'there were dozens, if not hundreds, of explosions' in the industrial zone as fires burned through lubricants, petroleum products and textiles.
The operation in Oreokastro involved large manpower and equipment: about 160 firefighters, 52 fire engines, five ground crews, two aircraft and two helicopters, with four firefighters injured during the firefighting efforts.
A 76-year-old man was arrested around midnight on suspicion of starting the blaze; investigators said he appeared intoxicated and admitted that sparks from his vehicle ignited the fire.
In the earlier Thessaloniki-area incident, residents of Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini, along with a 157-person care facility, were evacuated; authorities issued text alerts and sheltered about 120 mobile residents in a gym while others were moved to a psychiatric hospital.
A fast-moving wildfire near Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, forced the evacuation of three northern suburbs and a care facility housing 157 people with special needs on Saturday night, according to Neos Kosmos. A 76-year-old man was arrested around midnight on suspicion of starting the blaze. Investigators said he appeared intoxicated and admitted that sparks from his vehicle ignited the fire.
By nightfall, heavy smoke blanketed Thessaloniki's metropolitan area. Separate fires also broke out in Halkidiki and near Kilkis, stretching emergency resources further, The Nightly reported.
Three Suburbs and a Care Home Evacuated Overnight
The fire ignited in a ravine around 8:30 p.m. and spread rapidly to the plains, driven by strong winds. Authorities ordered the evacuation of Anthoupoli, Filothei, and Galini — three small suburbs north of Thessaloniki. A facility caring for 157 people with special needs was also cleared, according to Neos Kosmos.
Officials sent text alerts to residents and sheltered roughly 120 mobile residents in a nearby gym. Others were moved to a psychiatric hospital. About 115 firefighters and 38 engines battled the blaze, with some aerial support deployed early on. No homes were reported damaged, though several businesses caught fire, The Nightly reported.
Arson Suspect Arrested: Sparks From His Own Vehicle
Police arrested a 76-year-old man overnight after linking him to the start of the blaze. Investigators said he appeared intoxicated at the time of his arrest. He admitted that sparks from his vehicle set off the fire, according to BD Pratidin.
Oreokastro Industrial Zone: Explosions, Toxic Smoke, Four Injured
A separate blaze in nearby Oreokastro destroyed a recycling plant and a textile factory. Mayor Simos Daniilidis said the damage was extensive, adding that "there were dozens, if not hundreds, of explosions" as fires burned through lubricants, petroleum products, and textiles. Authorities warned residents of toxic smoke and urged them to stay indoors, according to The Australian.
The Oreokastro response was massive. About 160 firefighters, 52 fire engines, five ground crews, two aircraft, and two helicopters were deployed. Aerial water drops targeted hotspots to limit hazardous releases and prevent new outbreaks. Four firefighters were injured during the effort, NT News reported.
Greece Battles a Summer of Repeated Wildfire Emergencies
The Thessaloniki fires are part of a broader pattern across Greece this summer. Earlier blazes caused fatalities and triggered evacuations across multiple regions. Greece has largely avoided the extreme heat waves seen in other parts of Europe, but wildfires have still placed heavy strain on firefighting crews and emergency services, according to Neos Kosmos.
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