Full Breakdown
Wildfire Forces Mass Evacuation of Tourists in Greece’s Halkidiki Peninsula
8/14/2026, 2:54:33 AM
The Emergency on the Ground
On Thursday, a fast-moving forest fire swept through the resort villages of Siviri and Fourka on the Halkidiki peninsula, south of Thessaloniki. Strong winds drove a 3 km-long wall of flames up to 30 m high toward homes and holiday apartments. A fleet of small boats rescued more than 300 residents and visitors from the coastal village of Siviri, while dozens of tourists were taken off the beaches by sea. The fire service deployed roughly 150 firefighters, nine fixed-wing aircraft, seven helicopters and a total of 15 small rescue boats. Two firefighters were hospitalized with injuries, and a separate report noted one firefighter injured earlier in the day. Traffic on the mainland was halted as people fled the area.
Background: Heatwaves and Forest Fuel
The blaze occurred amid a summer marked by record heatwaves across Europe, which have dried vegetation and heightened wildfire risk in Greece, France and Spain. The region’s pine forests are especially flammable, and authorities had already issued a maximum “five” fire-danger alert for much of the Greek mainland. Weather forecasters predicted winds of up to 100 kph on August 14, further complicating suppression efforts. Earlier in the month, a helicopter collision near Athens claimed two crew members, underscoring the hazardous conditions faced by emergency responders.
Official Statements & Responses
A coast-guard statement confirmed the evacuation of over 300 individuals from Siviri using patrol craft, firefighting boats and local fishing vessels. The fire service announced that water-bombing planes, helicopters and ground crews were engaged in continuous operations despite the wind-driven challenges.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We are on the beach and looking for a way to get away,” — Sophia
- “From where we are, we can see that flames have reached the town and the houses.” — Firefighters
Impact and Ongoing Efforts
The fire has already destroyed approximately 110 sq km of forest on the peninsula. Authorities have banned public access to the surrounding pine woods and continue to monitor the situation as wind conditions evolve. The coordinated maritime and aerial response aims to contain the blaze while ensuring the safety of remaining residents and tourists in the region.
