Evacuations Ordered in Siviri and Furka as Wildfires Threaten Halkidiki
According to the Greek Fire Service, a fast-moving forest wildfire forced emergency evacuations across the popular resort area of Siviri on the Kassandra peninsula of Halkidiki.
The fire triggered emergency alerts via the Greek 112 system, directing residents and tourists in Siviri to evacuate toward Mola Kaliva, while those in Furka were ordered to move toward Skioni. Regional roads, including the route between Siviri and Fourka, were closed by authorities. According to reports from ERT, the flames crossed the highway toward the sea and swept through the coastal settlement of Nautilos, prompting stranded beachgoers to enter the water or rely on Hellenic Coast Guard vessels and private boats to escape to the port in Sani.
Greek Fire Service Deployment and Casualties in Halkidiki
The firefighting operation involved extensive local and national resources, backed by municipal water tankers and heavy machinery. Greek Fire Service spokesperson Giannis Artopios reported that two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the response and were transported to a hospital for treatment. At least one residential home in Siviri was destroyed by the flames; the homeowners told ERT they managed to escape safely but could only rescue one of their dogs.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Sofia announced that no Bulgarian citizens had reported injuries or distress related to the Halkidiki fires. The Consulate General of the Republic of Bulgaria in Thessaloniki stated it is monitoring the situation and remains prepared to provide consular assistance if needed. Affected individuals in Siviri can request temporary housing through an electronic platform provided by the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Emergency Travel Restrictions Across Kassandra, Sithonia, and Aristotelis
In response to extreme wildfire risks driven by adverse weather conditions, Greek authorities announced strict temporary movement restrictions across designated forest areas in the municipalities of Kassandra, Sithonia, and Aristotelis. According to official directives, the measures take effect on August 14. Access bans apply between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM in Kassandra and Sithonia, while Aristotelis faces an extended high-risk restriction running until 8:00 AM on August 15.
Police are monitoring access points to forest roads. Violators face immediate removal from high-risk zones and an administrative fine of 300 euros. Authorized volunteers assisting with fire prevention efforts are exempt from the travel bans. The restricted zones cover sections of Kassandra and Sithonia, as well as territories between Komitsa and Ouranoupoli and around Stratoni.
Simultaneous Wildfires Sparked Across Evia, Ilia, Nafpaktos, and Athens
Beyond Halkidiki, emergency services battled multiple active fire fronts across Greece. On the island of Evia, a separate wildfire prompted the evacuation of two settlements as flames advanced out of control toward the coastline. The Hellenic Coast Guard deployed patrol vessels and private boats to rescue residents and tourists trapped on local beaches, while local authorities mobilized water tankers and construction equipment. Initial reports indicate multiple houses and hotels were burned on Evia.
Additional blazes broke out near Vartholomio in the Ilia regional unit of western Peloponnese, in a forested area near Makyneia close to Nafpaktos, and near the Kapota military camp in Menidi, north of Athens. The Menidi fire mobilized 73 firefighters with 25 vehicles and two helicopters, prompting a 112 alert advising local residents to stay on high alert.
Did you know?
Greece utilizes the European emergency number 112 to push localized evacuation orders directly to mobile phones in threatened zones, instructing residents on exact escape routes during fast-moving natural disasters.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should tourists do if an emergency 112 alert is received in Greece?
According to civil protection guidelines, individuals must remain calm and immediately follow the specific evacuation routes and destination instructions provided in the text message.
Are there penalties for entering restricted forest zones during high fire risk periods?
Yes. Police control access to forest roads in regions like Kassandra, Sithonia, and Aristotelis, and violators face a 300-euro administrative fine.
Where can evacuees find temporary housing assistance in Halkidiki?
Affected individuals can apply for temporary accommodation through the electronic platform hosted on the official website of the Greek Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Were there any reported casualties among foreign nationals?
According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, no Bulgarian citizens were reported injured or stranded by the fires in Halkidiki.
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