Forest fire on Chalkidiki forces evacuations – tourists brought to safety across the sea

Fire brigade and forestry service personnel battled the flames on Thursday with firefighting aircraft and ground troops. Winds on the peninsula blew strongly in the afternoon and fanned the fire, significantly complicating firefighting efforts. The precise area of the fire has not yet been quantified.

Residents of the town of Siviri were urged to leave their houses and holiday accommodations and proceed to the assembly points at the harbor. Several nearby villages were placed on precautionary alert. Coastal campsites also had to be cleared because smoke and flying sparks endangered safety.

Spread aided by dryness and wind

According to initial findings, the fire broke out in a pine forest, as regional forestry experts explained. The dryness of the soil and the ongoing heat wave in northern Greece favored the rapid spread of the fire. Ground vegetation and needle litter ignited quickly and carried the fire into previously unaffected forest sections.

The regional administration of Central Macedonia set up a crisis task force and informed the population via loudspeaker announcements and official warning apps. Greek media showed images of dense smoke clouds over the coast and of fire engines on the roads toward Siviri.

Due to the smoke development, authorities warned residents and tourists to avoid staying outdoors and to keep windows closed. The air quality in the region was at times severely impaired, according to measurements by the Ministry of the Environment.

Initial analyses indicated that the fire was fueled by a combination of dryness, heat and strong wind. An investigation into the specific cause of the fire was launched; arson was not initially ruled out, according to official statements.

Police closed several access roads to Siviri and diverted traffic so that fire engines could advance unhindered. Traffic jams formed on the roads toward Thessaloniki in the afternoon, as many vacationers left the region as a precaution.

Emergency services and road closures

Ferry services in the harbor towns were also partially restricted because ships were now being used as a priority for evacuations. Local tourism associations explained that affected vacationers could contact their tour operators to obtain alternative accommodations.

The situation remained tense but under the control of the emergency services, according to the fire brigade, it was reported late Thursday afternoon. Additional firefighting aircraft and helicopters were to be deployed during the night to extinguish smoldering hotspots and prevent the fire from reigniting.

Warning level remains elevated

Weather services forecast continuing high temperatures and dry air on Chalkidiki over the coming days, which is why the warning level for forest fire danger remained elevated. Authorities called on the population to avoid open fires outdoors and to report suspicious smoke developments immediately.