A major wildfire has broken out on the Greek island of Lemnos, prompting an emergency evacuation operation near the southern beach of Thanos. The fire, which ignited in low-lying vegetation in the Thanos area, has spread toward mountainous terrain and is now approaching Myrina—the island’s main town and administrative center.
Maritime Evacuation Underway
Under the coordination of the Hellenic Coast Guard’s Operations Center, a large-scale rescue effort is underway to evacuate people stranded at Thanos Beach. Participating vessels include one Coast Guard patrol boat, one rescue vessel, one fishing boat, and five private boats. So far, 59 people have been safely removed from the area and are being transported aboard the rescue vessel to the port of Myrina.
Coast Guard units remain on site as operations continue. Local weather conditions feature north-northwesterly winds at Beaufort scale 3—moderate but potentially influential in fire behavior.
Ground and Air Response Intensifies
According to preliminary reports, the fire appears to have started at a landfill site on the island. A total of 26 firefighters, one ground reconnaissance team, nine vehicles, six aircraft, and one helicopter are currently engaged in suppression efforts. The Municipality of Lemnos is also supporting operations with water tankers.
Following direct communication between Mayor Eleonora Georga of Lemnos and Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas, additional aerial support was urgently deployed. Three Air Tractor firefighting aircraft took off from Alexandroupoli bound for Lemnos to assist ground crews in containing the blaze.
Public Alerts Issued
Earlier today, at 15:23, the national emergency number 112 sent an alert to mobile devices across the wider fire-affected zone. A more specific evacuation order followed at 16:00, instructing residents of Agia Paraskevi and Profitis Ilias to head immediately to Myrina.
The situation remains fluid, with authorities maintaining a high state of readiness and continuing coordinated efforts across land, sea, and air.