A major fire broke out on Sunday afternoon, 12 July 2026, at the historic Badminton Theatre building inside Athens’ Metropolitan Goudi Park. A large contingent of firefighters is currently on-site battling the blaze.
Emergency Alert for Nearby Residents
The national emergency number 112 issued a public alert urging residents in surrounding areas to take immediate precautions. According to the message, smoke is drifting toward their neighborhoods. Authorities advised people to stay indoors, close all doors and windows, remain on standby, and follow official instructions.
The official 112 Greece Twitter account posted: “Fire alert at the #BadmintonTheatre in regional #Attica. Smoke is moving toward your area. Stay indoors, close doors and windows. Remain on standby and follow instructions from authorities.”
Large-Scale Response Underway
According to the Hellenic Fire Service, response efforts have been significantly reinforced. At present, 38 firefighters are operating with 11 vehicles, including two aerial ladder trucks and one breathing apparatus unit. Volunteer teams and water tankers from the municipalities of Athens, Zografou, and Papagou-Cholargos are also assisting.
The National Crisis Management Centre (ESKEDIK) is monitoring the situation continuously via drone footage, using both visual and thermal imaging technology.
Investigation Launched
A team from the Athens Division of the Directorate for the Investigation of Arson Crimes (DAEE) has arrived at the site to determine the cause of the fire.
Traffic Restrictions in Place
To facilitate firefighting operations, traffic has been suspended at several key points:
- On Mesogeion Avenue, near the entrance to the Hellenic Police Academies;
- On Varyti Street, from its intersection with Kanellopoulou Street, in the direction of the Badminton Theatre;
- At the intersection of Papandreou and Megalou Alexandrou Streets.
Smoke from the fire was reported to have heavily affected central Athens, as seen in video footage published by newsit.gr.