A fast-moving wildfire near Greece’s Thessaloniki sparks evacuations as smoke blankets suburbs
About 115 firefighters and 38 fire engines battled the blaze as smoke blanketed suburbs and evacuations expanded to a facility for 157 people.
- A fast-moving wildfire broke out Saturday evening near the suburbs of Thessaloniki, Greece's second largest city, prompting evacuations in the settlements of Anthoupoli, Filothei, and Galini. The Fire Service reported the blaze ignited in a mountainous ravine around 8:30 p.m.
- Strong local winds complicate containment efforts as about 115 firefighters and 38 fire engines battle the blaze. A heavy cloud of smoke blankets several suburbs and western areas of Thessaloniki itself.
- Authorities evacuated a facility housing 157 people with special needs, with about 120 individuals sheltered in a gym while others were housed in a psychiatric hospital. Flammable materials inside businesses triggered explosions residents could hear from the city.
- Around midnight, the Fire Service announced the arrest of a 76-year-old man on suspicion of starting the fire. Officials stated the suspect "appeared not to be sober" at the time of apprehension.
- Additional blazes burn near the Halkidiki Peninsula and Kilkis, following a deadly wildfire in central Greece that killed a father and his 12-year-old son on Wednesday. Greece, known for its long, hot, dry and windy summers, remains on high alert.
46 Articles
46 Articles
Thessaloniki Blanketed by Toxic Smoke After Huge Factory Fire
Firefighters and volunteers battle a major wildfire burning tonight through a rural and forested area in Oreokastro, near residential neighborhoods and industrial facilities near Thessaloniki. Credit: AMNA, Achilleas Chiras A severe fire that erupted in the Oraiokastro suburb of Thessaloniki late Saturday night has covered the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki in a toxic cloud of smoke. Authorities arrested a 76-year-old man on Sunday whose re…
A fast-moving fire broke out last night near the outskirts of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, the fire service said, and residents of three smaller suburbs had to evacuate.
The smell of burning plastic was felt in many areas - Recommendations to close windows and limit movement due to fumes
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