Severe wildfires ravage multiple Greek regions

Between August 13 and August 16, 2026, Greece faced a series of devastating wildfires across several regions, including Chalkidiki, Rethymno in Crete, Kos, Skyros, Andros, and Salamina. The fire in Siviri, Chalkidiki, burned approximately 2,480 stremmata, while blazes in Rethymno and Skyros forced the activation of the 112 emergency alert system for mass evacuations of settlements like Fotinari, Souda, Pefko, and Agios Fokas. Strong winds reaching up to 7 Beaufort significantly hindered firefighting efforts, necessitating the deployment of massive ground and aerial resources from across the country, including specialized units from Attica, Evia, and Thessaly.

Firefighting operations involve hundreds of personnel, including volunteer teams and international support. In Skyros and Salamina, where fires remain active or under high-alert monitoring, authorities have deployed dozens of aircraft and helicopters alongside strengthened ground brigades. While many areas have been brought under control or contained, emergency services remain on high alert due to the risk of flare-ups caused by the persistent strong winds. Investigations into the causes of the fires are currently ongoing in the affected municipalities.