After an intense overnight battle, the wildfire that broke out on Saturday evening in Oreokastro, Thessaloniki, no longer has an active fire front. According to the latest information, the Fire Service has been carrying out damping-down operations since early this morning, while firefighting efforts continue at the two factories that were engulfed in flames. One is a textile factory and the other is a recycling plant.

To bring the situation fully under control, 160 firefighters remain at the scene. It is recalled that, during the previous hours, they were supported by aerial firefighting assets and the Army’s “Deucalion” unit.

Meanwhile, thick black smoke continues to blanket a large part of Thessaloniki, with the smoke cloud visible from many kilometers away. The smell of burning plastic is strong in several areas of the city, while images show the smoke reaching the center of Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square and the Thermaic Gulf.

At present, 160 firefighters, supported by five ground teams and 52 fire engines, along with numerous individual volunteers and volunteer groups, are tackling the fire. At first light, two aircraft and two helicopters were deployed for aerial firefighting operations, while orders have also been issued for additional aerial assets to be deployed.

Water tankers and heavy machinery from the Region of Central Macedonia are assisting the firefighting operation, along with earth-moving equipment from the Directorate of Construction and Natural Disaster Response. The Hellenic National Defence General Staff (GEETHA) has also activated the Army’s Deucalion unit to support the firefighting effort.

At the same time, Hellenic Police forces have been deployed to implement traffic diversions, while National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB) units remain on standby to respond immediately wherever required.

At 20:52 on Saturday, an emergency 112 alert was issued instructing residents of the Anthoupoli area of Oreokastro to evacuate towards the TITAN area.

At 01:19, another 112 alert instructed residents of Anthoupoli, Oreokastro, to evacuate towards the Liti football stadium, while at 01:44 a further alert ordered residents of Filothei to evacuate to the Evkarpia indoor sports hall.

At 02:44, a new 112 alert was issued advising residents of Anthoupoli, Oreokastro, to take protective measures because of the smoke.

Toxic Smoke Cloud Reaches Thessaloniki

Thick black smoke has blanketed a large part of Thessaloniki following the major wildfire in Oreokastro, with the smoke cloud visible from many kilometres away. The smell of burning plastic is strong across parts of the city, while images show the smoke reaching the centre of Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square and the Thermaic Gulf.

Authorities are urging the public to exercise extreme caution, advising residents to keep windows closed and avoid unnecessary travel, particularly those belonging to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, children and people with respiratory conditions, due to the deterioration in air quality caused by the smoke.

At the same time, the large-scale firefighting operation continues, with aerial assets carrying out constant water drops, using the Thermaic Gulf as a water source for refilling. Firefighters are battling to contain the blaze and safely reach areas where temperatures remain extremely high.

According to information from the scene, firefighting operations are expected to continue for several more hours, as flare-ups persist at the recycling plant and explosions continue to occur. The same information indicates that more than ten explosions have been heard, suggesting that large quantities of flammable materials remain inside the facility.

Four Firefighters Taken to the 424 Military Hospital

Four firefighters involved in tackling the major wildfire in Oreokastro were taken to the 424 General Military Training Hospital, according to an update from EKAB.

Three of the firefighters experienced respiratory problems caused by smoke inhalation, while a fourth required medical treatment for an orthopaedic injury.

The firefighters remain under medical observation and are receiving the necessary treatment, while the healthcare system, including EKAB and hospitals across the region, remains on heightened operational alert.

So far, there have been no reports of any other injuries, burns or health problems affecting civilians or members of the emergency services operating at the scene.

76-Year-Old Arrested After Allegedly Causing Sparks With Vehicle While Under the Influence of Alcohol

A 76-year-old Greek national has been arrested after allegedly driving in a dangerous manner, with his vehicle believed to have produced sparks that may have caused the wildfire in Oreokastro.

Following an investigation and witness statements, his involvement in the major fire was confirmed. He had initially been brought in for questioning as the main suspect.