A major wildfire in Oraiokastro, in the village of Liti near Thessaloniki, has claimed one life and left a woman with serious burns. As of Tuesday afternoon (30/6/2026), emergency services are urgently searching for a 12-year-old child reported missing — believed to be the son of the deceased man and the injured woman.
Victim Identified as Retired Teacher
The man who died in the blaze was identified as a 66-year-old retired schoolteacher. He lived with his family in an isolated mountain home. Firefighters discovered his body near the site of the fire and, close by, found the badly burned woman — believed to be his wife. Her condition remains critical at Hippokration Hospital in Thessaloniki.
Child’s Whereabouts Still Unknown
Authorities have officially classified the boy as missing. According to early statements made by the mother to police, the child had been with his father at the time the fire broke out. However, due to the intensity of the blaze and ongoing safety concerns, firefighters have not yet been able to fully enter the family’s home. Only after a thorough on-site investigation can officials confirm whether the boy was inside during the fire.
Fire Reignites, Complicating Search Efforts
Shortly after 8 p.m., the fire reignited in Liti — significantly hampering search and rescue operations. The blaze first erupted at midday, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Dozens of firefighters rushed to the scene, supported by five aircraft and two helicopters operating from the air. Water tankers from the Central Macedonia Regional Authority also joined the effort.
Local Impact and Evacuations
Emergency calls via Greece’s 112 service triggered the evacuation of the entire Liti settlement. Locals report that a nearby kiosk was among the first structures consumed by flames before the fire shifted toward forested areas. Though conditions improved somewhat after 6 p.m., the late-evening flare-up forced crews to respond once again to prevent further damage and loss.