Wildfire causes significant damage in Siviri, Halkidiki

On August 13, 2026, a large wildfire broke out in the forested area of Siviri on the Kassandra peninsula in Halkidiki, Greece. Driven by strong winds reaching up to six Beaufort, the fire spread rapidly, destroying infrastructure such as the local biological treatment plant and the Siviri amphitheater, alongside several residential properties. The blaze prompted a massive emergency response, involving 481 people who were evacuated by sea with the assistance of the Coast Guard, fire boats, and private vessels.

Approximately 2,480 stremmata of land were scorched according to satellite data from the Copernicus service. During the firefighting operations, two firefighters sustained minor injuries, and one individual collapsed during the evacuation. By August 14, the fire was brought under control with no active front, though authorities remained on alert to prevent flare-ups. A force of 227 firefighters, supported by aircraft and specialized units, worked to secure the perimeter and extinguish scattered hotspots. Ongoing investigations into the cause of the fire are being conducted by the Fire Department, while emergency services continue to monitor the area for safety.