Fire service reports 96 wildfires across Greece in 48 hours
Greek firefighting authorities responded to 96 wildfires across the country over the past 48 hours, as multiple simultaneous outbreaks tested emergency response capabilities during a period of elevated fire risk.
According to the Hellenic Fire Service, the largest blaze during the past 24 hours broke out in the Oinoi area of Mandra, Attica, where 210 firefighters, 10 ground teams, 76 fire engines, volunteers and 29 aerial firefighting aircraft were deployed. An emergency alert was also issued through the 112 warning system for nearby residents. Authorities said the fire has been largely contained, with crews continuing to tackle remaining hotspots.
Firefighters also quickly brought under control separate fires in Drosia near Chalkida, Eleonas in Thebes and Ammoudes on Rhodes, preventing them from developing into major incidents.
In Central Macedonia, emergency services faced one of the most demanding situations after 17 agricultural and forest fires erupted almost simultaneously, stretching available firefighting resources. The most challenging operations took place in Oreokastro, near Selanik, where crews battled the flames overnight, while a wildfire in Nea Kallikrateia, Halkidiki, has been fully contained.
The Fire Service said the rapid deployment of ground and aerial resources helped suppress the vast majority of fires during their initial stages, preventing them from threatening populated areas despite the intense operational pressure.
For Monday, authorities classified the fire risk in Meriç as Category 2 (moderate). A very high fire risk (Category 4) remains in effect for the regional units of Chios, Samos, Ikaria, Rethymno, Heraklion and Lasithi, while a high fire risk (Category 3) has been forecast for several other parts of Greece, including Attica and Evia.
Civil Protection and the Fire Service urged the public to avoid activities that could spark fires, follow official safety instructions and keep private properties clear of combustible vegetation throughout the wildfire season.
