A deadly wildfire broke out on Tuesday afternoon (30/6/2026) in Derveni, a rural area of Oreokastro municipality near Thessaloniki. Tragically, one person was found dead inside a forested area affected by the blaze, according to the Hellenic Fire Service.
Evacuation Orders and Emergency Alerts
As the fire continues to burn uncontrolled, residents of the nearby village of Liti received an emergency SMS alert via Greece’s 112 system urging immediate evacuation — specifically directing them to move from Liti toward the village’s football field. This followed an earlier 112 alert issued at 3:40 p.m., warning residents to prepare for possible evacuation.
Injured Woman Treated at Hippokration Hospital
A woman in her forties sustained burns to her hands, thighs, and face and was transferred to Thessaloniki’s Hippokration Hospital. Medical staff reported she remains hemodynamically stable.
Large-Scale Response Underway
Firefighting efforts have been significantly reinforced. Currently, 57 firefighters are deployed, including two ground teams from the 2nd Emergency Response Unit (EMODE), supported by 16 vehicles and volunteer units. From the air, five aircraft and two helicopters conduct periodic water-dropping operations. Water tankers from the Region of Central Macedonia are also assisting.
Local Impact and Weather Challenges
According to local residents, a small kiosk or refreshment stand was destroyed just before the fire shifted direction and spread into wooded terrain. Strong winds continue to hamper containment efforts, forcing firefighters to mount intense, ongoing operations to limit the blaze’s expansion.