Toxic smoke blankets Thessaloniki area as wildfire spreads into industrial zone

A wildfire that spread from forested land into an industrial zone in the municipality of Oreokastro near the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki has blanketed the area in toxic smoke, prompting authorities to urge residents to remain indoors as firefighters continued battling the blaze.

The fire broke out on Saturday afternoon before spreading into the industrial area, damaging multiple businesses and homes, according to Greece's public broadcaster ERT.

An oil processing factory and a recycling plant remained ablaze on Sunday despite ongoing firefighting efforts, raising concerns over deteriorating air quality.

Health warnings issued

Authorities sent a 112 emergency text alert at dawn, advising residents to remain indoors, keep doors and windows closed, and follow official instructions as thick black smoke and the smell of burning spread across Thessaloniki and surrounding areas.

Dimosthenis Sarigiannis, professor of environmental engineering at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, warned that the smoke contains fine particulate matter generated by incomplete combustion and has become more hazardous after the fire spread to industrial facilities containing recycling materials, detergents and oils.

According to Sarigiannis, the smoke includes volatile organic compounds that can irritate the eyes and throat, as well as carcinogenic substances such as benzene, dioxins and furans.

He advised residents who must go outdoors to wear protective masks and cautioned against using pressure washers to remove ash from balconies, saying the practice could reintroduce harmful particles into the air.

Nikos Tzanakis, vice president of the Hellenic Pulmonary Society, also urged vulnerable groups, including people with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions, pregnant women and children, to avoid outdoor exposure and refrain from strenuous physical activity until air quality improves.

Firefighters injured

Five firefighters were hospitalized during operations, including three suffering from respiratory problems, one with a hand injury and another due to exhaustion.

Firefighting crews remained at the scene as authorities continued efforts to contain the blaze and monitor air quality across the Thessaloniki metropolitan area.