A fast-moving wildfire broke out in the coastal village of Siviri in Greece's northern Halkidiki region on Thursday afternoon, forcing residents and holidaymakers to flee as flames reached the edge of the settlement. The blaze, which started in dry brushland, quickly spread toward homes, prompting two emergency alerts from the 112 system within an hour.
The first warning urged people near the fire front to stay alert; the second ordered the evacuation of Siviri and the neighbouring settlement of Fourka, directing residents toward Kassandreia. By late afternoon, the fire had reached the first houses in Siviri, according to local officials.
Sea evacuation under way
With roads in the area congested and smoke reducing visibility, the Hellenic Coast Guard launched an evacuation from Siviri's beach shortly after 17:00 local time. Two coast guard vessels and nine private boats were joined by the high-speed ferry Speedrunner Jet to carry people away from the shoreline. The operation was still ongoing as night fell.
Firefighting resources have been steadily reinforced. A total of 110 firefighters, supported by three teams from the 2nd EMODE Special Forest Operations Unit and 33 fire engines, are battling the blaze on the ground. Nine aircraft and seven helicopters are conducting water drops from the air, while water tankers from the Municipality of Kassandra are also assisting.
Among the ground crews are 12 firefighters from Moldova, who are in Greece as part of a European Union programme that pre-positions firefighting units in high-risk member states during the summer. Their presence underscores the growing cross-border cooperation in tackling what has already been a devastating wildfire season across Europe.
The fire is burning in the Kassandra peninsula, one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Greece, drawing thousands of visitors each August. Local authorities have not reported any injuries, but the speed of the blaze has raised concerns about the safety of holidaymakers unfamiliar with the terrain.
In response to the heightened risk, the deputy regional governor of Halkidiki, Giannis Koufidis, has issued a ban on pedestrian and vehicle movement in forest areas across the municipalities of Kassandra, Sithonia, and Aristotle. The restriction will be in force from 8:00 to 20:00 on 14 August, covering several zones in Kassandra and Sithonia. Police will enforce the measure at forest road entrances, and anyone present in those areas will be asked to leave, with the exception of volunteer firefighting groups.
The Regional Unit of Halkidiki has appealed to residents and visitors to respect the ban and follow instructions from authorities, stressing that the priority is protecting human life, forest ecosystems, and public property. Similar restrictions have been imposed in other parts of Greece this summer as the country endures prolonged drought and high temperatures.
Wildfires have become a recurring summer threat for Greece, but this year's season has been particularly severe. The blaze in Siviri is one of several currently burning across the country, and climate scientists warn that such events are likely to become more frequent. In a related development, some European regions are exploring innovative solutions, such as Swiss ski resorts repurposing snowmaking pipes to fight fires.
Tourism operators in Halkidiki are bracing for potential cancellations, though many visitors have expressed solidarity with local efforts. The Greek government has pledged additional support for firefighting operations and for affected communities. As of Thursday evening, the fire was not yet under control, and authorities warned that conditions could worsen with expected winds.
