Two firefighters killed during building fire in Zefyri

On Saturday, November 14, 2026, a tragic fire at an abandoned building on Katsantoni Street in Zefyri, Fyli, resulted in the deaths of two firefighters. The victims were 23-year-old Giorgos Zympidis, who had recently graduated from the Fire Academy in Ptolemaida, and 44-year-old deputy firefighter Ilias Valatsos. A third firefighter, aged 43, was injured and hospitalized but is reported to be out of danger. The firefighters were trapped in the basement of the structure during the suppression operation.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause, with initial findings pointing to the improper disposal of burning embers from a wood-burning stove in the building's stairwell. A 34-year-old woman was arrested and faces felony arson charges resulting in death. Her two minor daughters, aged 13 and 16, were also initially detained but have since been released. A warrant has been issued for the woman's 44-year-old husband, who remains at large. The Fire Service has ordered a sworn administrative inquiry into the incident, while forensic experts and investigators continue to analyze the scene to clarify the exact sequence of events that led to the fatalities.