Firefighters were placed on high alert over the past 24 hours as 60 wildfires broke out across Greece, according to the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection. Conditions were especially severe in the Central Macedonia region, where the fire danger index reached Category 4 — the highest level — and 16 fires ignited almost simultaneously, most after 12:30 p.m. This surge stretched firefighting resources thin and required rapid, coordinated responses across multiple fronts.
Fires Near Populated Areas Raise Alarm
Particular concern arose as several fires erupted near residential zones. In Neoi Epivates (Thessaloniki), Nea Kallikrateia (Chalkidiki), and Krestoni (Kilkis), authorities activated the national emergency number 112, sending alerts to residents for information and, where necessary, advising precautionary evacuations.
Widespread Incidents Across Regions
In Attica — where the fire risk remained at Category 3 — blazes were reported in Aspropyrgos, Spata, and on the Saranta Martyres hill in the municipality of Acharnes. Firefighting teams responded swiftly, deploying substantial ground and aerial assets. As a result, most incidents were brought under control quickly, preventing large-scale spread.
A fire in Grevena was fully contained, while the blaze at Empona on Rhodes has been successfully delimited. On Corfu, the fire near Vasilika was also brought under control; earlier that day, a second outbreak near Apraos had been extinguished before it could escalate.
Active suppression operations continued in Koufalia (Chalkidona), Leipsydrio, Krestoni (Kilkis), and Nea Kallikrateia, where strong ground and air forces remained on site to ensure full extinction and guard against re-ignition.
Operational Strain Highlights Need for Early Response
Civil Protection officials noted that the simultaneous ignition of numerous fires in high-risk areas severely tested operational planning and available capacity. It underscored the critical importance of immediate intervention during the earliest moments of any incident. Despite intense pressure on response systems, most fires were contained at an initial stage — thanks to rapid mobilization of firefighters, aircraft, and local authorities.
High Fire Risk Forecast for Sunday
For Sunday, 5 July, Civil Protection forecasts a Category 4 (very high) fire risk in six Greek regions, with Category 3 (high) prevailing across much of the country. Authorities are urging citizens to avoid any activity that could spark a fire, follow official guidance closely, and keep outdoor spaces and private plots free of dry vegetation and debris — emphasizing that prevention remains the most decisive factor in averting disasters.