Wildfire breaks out in Thanos, Lemnos leading to emergency evacuations

A wildfire broke out in the low-vegetation area of Thanos on the island of Lemnos around 14:30 on Friday, August 21, 2026. The island was under a category 3 high-risk fire warning at the time. Authorities issued multiple 112 emergency alerts, initially at 15:30 for the surrounding area and subsequently at 16:00, ordering residents of Agia Paraskevi and Profitis Ilias to evacuate towards Myrina.

Firefighting operations involve 26 firefighters, one specialized ground team, nine vehicles, and significant aerial support including six aircraft and one helicopter. The 7th EMODE special unit was dispatched to the site. Due to the proximity of the flames to Thanos beach, the Coast Guard and private vessels successfully evacuated 59 bathers, including children and the elderly, who were transported safely to the port of Myrina. Local municipal water trucks are also supporting the firefighting efforts.

Investigation into the causes of the fire has been assigned to the Arson Crimes Investigation Unit of Lesbos. Currently, operations continue to contain the blaze, with no casualties reported during the emergency evacuation from the coastline.