Tourists evacuated by sea as wildfire nears Greek resorts

Tourists fled by sea from two Greek resorts in the Chalkidiki region as a forest fire raged nearby. Over 250 holidaymakers, many with children and still in swimwear, were evacuated by 15 small boats. The fire approached homes and beaches in the Sivirio and Furka resorts, south of Thessaloniki.

Authorities declared the situation under control by Thursday evening. The evacuation by sea was deemed the only escape route as flames neared the easily flammable pine forests characteristic of the peninsula. Video footage showed dozens of people on a pontoon waiting for rescue amidst smoky skies.

Roads also saw traffic jams as people attempted to flee the fire by land. Over 200 firefighters, supported by aircraft, worked to contain the blaze. This incident highlights the ongoing high risk of forest fires in Greece, following a massive fire near Athens that devastated over 11,000 hectares.

“

The flames dangerously approached the beaches. Therefore, evacuation by sea was the only possible way to escape the danger.