A wildfire broke out today (July 14, 2026) around noon in an agricultural-forestry area near Vasilika, a settlement within the municipality of Thermi in Thessaloniki. The Hellenic Fire Service immediately deployed substantial ground and aerial resources to contain the blaze.
Residents Alerted to Stay on Standby
Given the proximity of scattered residential buildings to the fire, the national emergency number 112 sent an alert to residents of Vasilika urging them to remain on standby. The message read: “Forest fire in the Vasilika area of the Thessaloniki regional unit. Remain on standby and follow instructions from authorities.”
Large-Scale Response Underway
The operation involves 30 firefighters supported by 10 fire engines. Two helicopters are conducting aerial firefighting operations. In addition, water tankers operated by the Thermi municipality are assisting the Fire Service’s efforts.
The region is currently under high fire-risk conditions (Level 3), according to official fire danger ratings. The fire is reported to be burning low vegetation in the Vasilika area.
Throughout the incident, the National Emergency Operations Centre (ESKEDIK) has been receiving continuous live footage from a drone equipped with both optical and thermal imaging cameras.
An investigative team from Thessaloniki’s Anti-Arson Unit has also been dispatched to the site to determine the cause of the fire.