Fire in Perea, Thessaloniki, contained; Greece faces 41 fires in 24 hours

Firefighters have brought a blaze in Perea, Thessaloniki, under control. The fire, which started Monday afternoon in dry grass and refuse near the Tsaireia settlement, required the mobilization of 31 firefighters, a ground team, and nine vehicles. Aerial support, including two aircraft and a helicopter, operated until sunset. Residents in the affected area received an alert from the 112 emergency number, advising them to stay indoors, close windows and doors, and exercise caution due to dense smoke. Across Greece, 41 agricultural and forest fires occurred in the past 24 hours, according to the Fire Service. Firefighting forces remain vigilant as weather conditions continue to favor the spread of fires. In Akraifnio, Boeotia, a significant firefighting operation involved 118 firefighters, six ground teams, and 27 vehicles, with aerial assistance from eleven aircraft and five helicopters. The National Road Athens-Lamia was temporarily closed in both directions for safety reasons. Authorities have made four arrests for fires caused by negligence. Incidents occurred in Halkidiki, Thessaloniki, Boeotia, and Larissa. A 33-year-old man was arrested in Thebes for a fire caused by tractor work without safety measures. In Larissa, a man was arrested for a fire ignited during hot work on farmland without protection. In Halkidiki, a man was detained for a fire started by agricultural equipment. In Thessaloniki, a 60-year-old man was arrested for a fire resulting from grinding work without safety precautions. Since January 1, 2026, Greece has issued 458 administrative fines totaling nearly 490,000 euros and made 115 arrests related to fires. Approximately 94.78% of these arrests are for negligence, and 5.22% are for intentional acts.

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Residents of the area received a warning message from 112, which called on them to remain in closed spaces, close doors and windows, and be particularly careful due to the dense smoke.