A wildfire broke out in an agricultural-forestry area near Kalapodi in the regional unit of Phthiotida shortly after 1:40 p.m. on Wednesday, 1 July 2026. Residents of the nearby settlements of Sfaka and Zeli received an emergency alert from Greece’s national emergency number, 112.
Emergency Alerts and Evacuation Order
The initial 112 message advised residents of Sfaka and Zeli to remain on standby and follow official instructions: “Forest fire in the Kalapodi area of Phthiotida. If you are in the local communities of Sfaka and Zeli, stay prepared and follow authorities’ guidance.”
Shortly afterward, a second 112 alert was issued ordering the immediate evacuation of Sfaka. Residents were instructed to head toward Elateia as the fire continued to spread despite firefighting efforts.
Large-Scale Response Underway
Responding rapidly, the Hellenic Fire Service deployed 56 firefighters—including three infantry teams from the 4th Mobile Emergency Response Unit (EMODE), 16 vehicles, nine aircraft, and two helicopters. One helicopter is dedicated to coordinating ground and aerial operations.
Additional support is expected, including Bell helicopters and Dassault Falcon aircraft operated by the Forest Command (Dasokomando), with reinforcements arriving continuously. Local government water tankers are also assisting.
Monitoring and Investigation
The National Emergency Operations Centre (ESKEDIK) is monitoring the fire in real time using drone footage equipped with both optical and thermal imaging. Meanwhile, the Phthiotida Arson Investigation Team has arrived on site to determine the cause of the blaze.
According to Greece’s official fire danger map, the Kalapodi area is currently classified at Level 3—‘high risk’—for wildfires.