Major wildfire in Siviri, Halkidiki, and new fires in Crete and Kos

On August 13, 2026, a severe wildfire broke out in the Siviri forest on the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki, Greece. Driven by strong winds, the fire quickly spread to residential areas, forcing the evacuation of 481 residents and tourists from the beaches of Siviri and Fourka. Authorities utilized various maritime vessels, including Coast Guard ships, private boats, and a passenger ferry, to move people to safety. The firefighting operation involved 227 firefighters, 57 vehicles, and multiple aerial units. While the main front was contained by the following day, approximately 3,500 stremmata of land were burned, along with residential properties and local infrastructure, including a biological treatment plant and the Siviri amphitheater. Two firefighters sustained minor injuries during the efforts.

Following the stabilization of the Siviri fire, new, separate wildfire emergencies emerged on August 14 in Rethymno, Crete, and Pyli, Kos. In Crete, fires in the Sellia area near Photinari and Souda triggered evacuation orders via the 112 emergency system. Strong northern winds up to 7 Beaufort are currently complicating containment efforts in these regions, with local authorities and firefighting crews remaining in high-alert status to protect communities and infrastructure.