A large-scale forest fire broke out on the Halkidiki Peninsula in northern Greece on the 13th, with the flames spreading from Siviri towards Fourka, forcing about 500 tourists to evacuate and injuring two firefighters.
According to Greece's national broadcaster, the fire started in the afternoon, and a preliminary investigation suggests that trees blown down by strong winds hit power lines and caused sparking, which may have ignited the fire. Due to strong winds, the flames quickly spread from low-lying vegetation to pine forests and residential areas, with the affected line stretching over 3 kilometers. The local power supply system collapsed, and water supply was also affected.
The Greek fire department reported that 155 firefighters had been mobilized, along with firefighting aircraft, helicopters, and dozens of vehicles participating in the effort.
According to local media, about 500 people have been evacuated by sea, and two firefighters have been injured during firefighting operations.
The Halkidiki Peninsula is located in northern Greece, extending into the northern Aegean Sea. It is a popular summer tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.
The fire occurred as many parts of Greece are facing high fire risk conditions. On the 13th, strong north winds swept across much of Greece, with gusts in some areas exceeding 100 kilometers per hour, and wildfires were also reported in many areas in western and central Greece.