As part of the emergency medical response to the ongoing wildfire in the Oreokastro area of Thessaloniki, three additional firefighters have been transferred to the 424 General Military Hospital, including two suffering from respiratory problems and one with an orthopaedic injury. In total, four firefighters have so far been admitted to the 424 General Military Hospital.

Major Firefighting Operation with 150 Firefighters, Volunteers and Army Support

Firefighters have been battling through the night to contain the wildfire that broke out in Oreokastro, Thessaloniki, at approximately 8:30pm on Saturday.

A total of 150 firefighters are currently deployed, supported by five specialist ground teams, 48 fire engines, as well as numerous volunteers and volunteer organisations.

The firefighting operation is also being supported by water tankers and heavy machinery from the Region of Central Macedonia, together with earthmoving equipment from the Directorate of Construction and Natural Disaster Response.

The Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA) has activated the DEUCALION unit to assist with firefighting operations.

At the same time, officers from the Hellenic Police have been deployed to implement traffic management measures, while National Centre for Emergency Care (EKAB) crews remain on standby to intervene wherever required.

At 8:52pm on Saturday, 4 July, a 112 emergency alert was issued instructing residents of the Anthoupoli area of Oreokastro to evacuate towards the TITAN area.

At 1:19am on Sunday, 5 July 2026, a further 112 alert instructed residents of Anthoupoli, Oreokastro, to evacuate towards the Liti football ground.

At 1:44am, another 112 emergency message was issued ordering residents of Filothei to evacuate to the Efkarpia Indoor Sports Hall.

Fresh 112 Alert Orders Evacuation of Anthoupoli – ‘Evacuate Towards Liti Football Ground’

A new 112 emergency alert was sent to residents of Anthoupoli, Oreokastro, during the early hours of Sunday as the wildfire continued to rage in the area. Civil Protection urged everyone in the area to evacuate towards the Liti football ground and to follow the instructions of the authorities.

Pavlos Melas Municipality: Filothei Residents Can Shelter at Efkarpia Indoor Sports Hall

Residents of Filothei who have evacuated their homes can take shelter at the Efkarpia Indoor Sports Hall, located near the Efkarpia Cemetery.

Essential supplies, drinking water and food will be available at the venue.

Suspect Detained Over Oreokastro Wildfire

The Fire Service’s Arson Crimes Directorate (DAEE) responded immediately following the major wildfire that broke out in Oreokastro on Saturday evening.

To ensure the swift investigation and determination of the cause of the fire, a specialist team of experienced officers from the Arson Crimes Directorate travelled from Athens to Thessaloniki to assist the city’s investigative unit.

As part of the fast-track investigation, following the collection and assessment of evidence, a 76-year-old Greek national was detained as the main suspect. He is alleged to have driven his vehicle in a dangerous manner, possibly creating sparks that led to the outbreak of the fire.

The 76-year-old is currently undergoing further examination to determine whether he was under the influence of substances at the time the incident occurred, as the evidence gathered so far suggests that he may not have been sober.

According to reports, the area is home to several factories, and explosions have been heard.

112 Issues Evacuation Alert for Anthoupoli

It is recalled that shortly after 9:00pm, a 112 emergency alert instructed everyone in the Anthoupoli area to evacuate towards TITAN.

‘Agios Panteleimon’ Long-Term Care Facility Evacuated as Precaution

Speaking to ERT, Oreokastro Mayor Pantelis Tsakiris said that the Agios Panteleimon Long-Term Care Facility was being evacuated as a precaution. The facility accommodates 157 residents.