Emergency crews are on high alert battling wildfires in Oraiokastro, Thessaloniki, and parts of Serres. According to the Fire Department, the blaze that broke out at 8 p.m. in a forested area northeast of the settlement of Meseai in Oraiokastro is now showing signs of containment. However, the fire in Neos Souli, Serres, continues to rage, engulfing a wood processing factory and threatening nearby areas.
Firefighters are surrounding the fire front to prevent further spread, with residential areas located between 1-1.5 kilometers away currently not under threat. The fire started around midday Tuesday (01.07.2025) at a timber-processing plant in Neos Souli, part of the Municipality of Emmanuel Pappas in Serres. Initially erupting in the factory’s outdoor premises, it quickly spread to adjacent farmland, destroying approximately 600 stremmata of low vegetation and 400 olive trees.
Efforts to contain the fire have been supported by regional machinery, including one bulldozer, two loaders, municipal equipment, and local residents who helped create firebreaks. At 18:55 yesterday, an emergency alert was sent via the 112 system to mobile phones in the region, advising residents to remain vigilant.
As night fell, eight aircraft and four helicopters were deployed to combat the flames. According to ERT, the factory’s storage area has been completely destroyed, with fires intensifying due to combustible materials stored outside the building. Reinforcements arrived later in the evening, bringing total firefighting forces to 90 firefighters, one pedestrian unit from the 2nd EMODe, 36 vehicles, eight aircraft, and four helicopters.
Meanwhile, in Oraiokastro, over 100 firefighters with 31 vehicles and three pedestrian units continue efforts. Earlier, aerial support included eight planes and two helicopters. Initial response involved 48 firefighters, two pedestrian units, volunteers, 14 vehicles, five aircraft, and two helicopters.
Residents were previously alerted via 112 to stay prepared and follow official instructions as authorities work tirelessly to bring both blazes under control.