Halkidiki wildfire subsides after dramatic scenes and sea evacuations

The wildfire that ravaged Siviri in Halkidiki has significantly subsided, with firefighters working to contain scattered embers after the blaze no longer presented a unified active front. The dramatic moments of the fire, which threatened the settlement, were captured in videos from the coast as flames neared the village.

Earlier, the area experienced apocalyptic scenes as the fire raged. The weakening of winds overnight greatly aided the firefighters' efforts to bring the blaze under control, especially after aerial units were grounded due to darkness. During the operations, two firefighters were hospitalized: one for respiratory issues and another for a leg injury.

Despite the progress, strong forces remain in the area, on high alert for any flare-ups, particularly as strong winds are expected to return. According to reports, the fire likely began when tree branches fell onto a public power corporation (DEI) pole outside Kassandria. The resulting sparks, combined with dry conditions, abundant fuel, and strong winds, led to the rapid spread of the fire.

The inferno spread quickly, encircling Siviri and forcing residents to flee by sea. The Coast Guard coordinated a rescue operation involving patrol boats, firefighting vessels, fishing boats, private craft, and a ferry. A total of 481 people were evacuated: 285 from Siviri beach to Sani Marina, and 196 via smaller boats to the port of Thessaloniki.

While firefighting forces made titanic efforts, significant destruction remains. Vast green areas turned to ash, and some homes were consumed by the flames. The European Union's Copernicus EMS activated its mapping service for an immediate assessment of the fire-affected areas.