Thessaloniki nursing home evacuated as wildfire approaches

Authorities in Thessaloniki are undertaking a preemptive evacuation of the "Agios Panteleimon" Chronic Illness Foundation as a wildfire rages in the Oreokastro area. The facility, which cares for 157 residents, is being relocated to the Kontaxopouleio Municipal Gymnasium as a precautionary measure due to its proximity to the fire's front.

The fire ignited in a rural and forested area around 8:30 p.m. The Fire Service is deploying significant ground forces, including 74 firefighters with 28 vehicles and two specialized hiking units, supported by volunteers and regional machinery. The blaze is reportedly moving towards an area with factories and workshops, prompting evacuation orders for residents in the Anthoupoli and Filothei settlements.

To monitor the situation, the General Secretariat for Civil Protection is receiving continuous visual and thermal imaging from a drone. The Thessaloniki Arson Investigation Unit has also dispatched personnel to the scene to determine the cause of the fire.

Residents of the "Agios Panteleimon" foundation are being transported to the municipal gym, ensuring their safety as firefighters work to contain the spread of the flames and prevent them from reaching populated areas.