Wildfire in Halkidiki: Battling to Save the Forest in Vourvourou – Firefighting Forces Reinforced

A fierce wildfire continues to rage in the forested area of Vourvourou, Halkidiki, after breaking out earlier this afternoon on Wednesday (02.07.2025). Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze as emergency services remain fully mobilized. The alarm was raised when the fire broke out in the forest near Livari area of Vourvourou, within the municipality of Sithonia, Halkidiki. A strong contingent of firefighting forces arrived at the scene, including 160 firefighters, four forest firefighting units (PEM), 49 vehicles, volunteers, 14 aircraft, 5 helicopters, and personnel from S.ME.A., along with support from local authorities’ machinery and water tankers. At the order of the Fire Department Chief, a specialized arson investigation team has been dispatched to determine the cause of the fire. According to reports, the nearby camping site has been evacuated, with approximately 100 campers relocating toward Nikiti. Flames have now moved away from residential areas, and efforts are focused on the mountainous terrain, although access remains difficult for ground teams. Firebreaks are being created using heavy machinery, as the fire spreads through particularly rugged terrain, complicating suppression efforts. Residents in the affected region received an alert from Greece’s 112 emergency service shortly before 16:00, advising them to move toward Nikiti if they were still in the area. ‘The air units are operating, forces have been reinforced, and firefighters are doing their best to protect homes. The fire is no longer near the village,’ said Ioannis Mallinis, mayor of Sithonia, to newsit.gr.