01/08/2026 01:23

Firefighting forces reinforced in Boeotia: 325 firefighters battling two major fire fronts

Firefighting resources have been reinforced as wildfires continue to burn in Kalamaki and Xironomi in Boeotia. A total of 325 firefighters are now involved in the operation, supported by 18 specialized ground teams from the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 5th, and 10th EMODE (Special Forest Firefighting Units), along with volunteers and 92 fire engines. Heavy machinery and water tankers provided by local authorities are also assisting the firefighting effort.

31/07/2026 21:11

Copernicus service activated for Porto Germeno

The Copernicus Emergency Management Service (EMS) – Mapping has been activated to map the areas of the Municipality of Thebes and the Municipality of Mandra-Eidyllia that have been affected by the wildfires.

The purpose of the activation is to produce mapping products and data for areas of the Municipality of Thebes, in the Boeotia Regional Unit of the Region of Central Greece, and the Municipality of Mandra-Eidyllia, in the West Attica Regional Unit, which were affected by wildfires that broke out on Friday, July 31, 2026.

The activation concerns the wildfire fronts at Porto Germeno, which extend across two different regional units.

Wildfire in Karystos: 112 alert issued for evacuation from the Eastern Extension of Karystos settlement

A wildfire broke out at around 19:45 in low vegetation in the Aetos area of Karystos, on the island of Evia, in an area where there are nearby homes.

At 20:20, a 112 emergency alert was issued, calling on those in the wider area of the Eastern Extension of Karystos to evacuate towards Aetos.

A total of 48 firefighters, supported by two ground teams from the 20th Forest Firefighting Unit (EMODE) and 15 fire engines, are battling the blaze, while one helicopter has been deployed for aerial firefighting. Water tankers from the Municipality of Karystos are also assisting.

31/07/2026 20:42

Traffic restrictions on Lavriou Avenue

Due to the wildfire, the Traffic Police have implemented traffic restrictions on Lavriou Avenue from the junction with Athinon–Souniou Road, affecting traffic heading towards Lavrio.

UPDATES (15:15)

Raging: the huge wildfire that has broken out in Boeotia

Agios Vasileios, Boeotia, being evacuated by sea

Evacuation messages sent to Agios Vasileios, Agios Nikolaos, Alyki and Xironomi in Boeotia

Fire also burning in Argolida, 112 evacuation alert for Borsa and Chinitsa

Homes ablaze in Fichti, Argolida, and in Agios Vasileios, Boeotia

Civil Protection mechanism on maximum alert due to very strong winds

Suffocating atmosphere in Corinthia from wildfire smoke

Fire in Kompoti, Arta: 112 alert issued for readiness

A wildfire that broke out on Friday afternoon in a forested area near Kompoti, in the Regional Unit of Arta, is still burning.

Thirty-five firefighters are tackling the blaze, supported by a ground crew and 10 fire engines, while two aircraft are carrying out water drops from the air.

At the same time, the 112 emergency alert system was activated, sending a warning message to local residents. Residents are being urged to remain on high alert and follow the instructions of the authorities closely, as the fire’s progress continues to be monitored.
31/07/2026 15:02

Fire whirls forming in the Xironomi, Boeotia blaze, front now enormous

Homes ablaze in Fichti, Argolida

The situation in Argolida remains difficult, with the prevailing winds hampering efforts to contain the fire. According to Mega, the coming hours are critical for Fichti, Argolida, where the fire has already destroyed homes as well as farmland and olive groves.

Boeotia fire advancing towards Vilia and Porto Germeno

The wildfire burning in Boeotia has crossed the road and is climbing the mountain towards Vilia and Porto Germeno. Embers and pine cones have sparked new spot fires.

Earlier, a 112 alert was sent to residents of Porto Germeno telling them to be on standby.

Sea evacuation under way from Ag. Vasileios beach, Boeotia — over 200 people evacuated

An operation to evacuate residents and holidaymakers from the beach at Agios Vasileios, Boeotia, by sea is under way, as the major wildfire that broke out this morning continues to rage under extremely difficult conditions.

According to the Fire Service, more than 200 people have been evacuated so far and are being transported to the Livadostra area, with a further 100 or so still to be moved.

The operation is being coordinated by the Hellenic Coast Guard’s Operations Centre, with the aim of safely transporting people from the coastal zone. Coordinated action is also under way involving the Coast Guard, the Fire Service, the Region of Central Greece and the local municipality, to ensure the safe evacuation of everyone still in Agios Vasileios.

Five private boats, a tugboat and a Fire Service vessel are currently operating at the scene, while a Coast Guard patrol boat and an additional Fire Service vessel are en route to the area.
31/07/2026 14:42

Porto Germeno residents on standby as road closes to visitors

Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Evangelos Tournas has called for tourists and visitors to be barred from approaching or moving through Porto Germeno, in order to avoid adding to traffic congestion.

The restriction does not apply to permanent residents of the area.

Earlier, a 112 alert was sent to Porto Germeno residents telling them to be on standby because of the major fire raging in Agios Vasileios, Boeotia.

Extreme wildfire risk tomorrow (01/08) for Attica and Evia

Very high wildfire risk (category 4) also forecast for eight other regions

Extreme wildfire risk is also forecast for tomorrow, Saturday 1 August, in Attica and Evia.

Specifically, according to the Wildfire Risk Forecast Map issued by the General Secretariat for Civil Protection, tomorrow’s forecast is as follows:

Extreme wildfire risk – Alert status (category 5) for the following areas:

• Region of Attica
• Region of Central Greece (Regional Unit of Evia)

Very high wildfire risk (category 4) is forecast for the following areas:

• Region of Attica (including the island of Kythira)
• Region of Peloponnese (Regional Units of Corinthia, Argolida, Arcadia, Laconia)
• Region of Central Greece (Regional Units of Boeotia, Phthiotis, Phocis, Evia including the island of Skyros)
• Region of North Aegean (Regional Units of Lemnos, Lesvos, Chios)
• Region of South Aegean (Regional Units of the Cyclades)
• Region of Crete (Regional Units of Rethymno, Chania)
• Region of Western Greece
• Region of Eastern Macedonia and Thrace (Regional Units of Rhodope, Evros, including the island of Samothraki)

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UPDATES (13:38)

Wildfires rage across central and southern Greece amid strong winds

• A major fire has broken out on agricultural and forest land in Boeotia, central Greece
  
• Evacuation messages have been sent for Agios Vasileios, Agios Nikolaos, Aliki and Xironomi, all in the Boeotia region
  
• A separate fire is burning at Fichtia in the Argolis region of the Peloponnese, near the ancient site of Mycenae, with a 112 emergency alert issued ordering evacuation
  
• The old national road linking Argos and Corinth has been closed at Fichtia because of the fire
  
• The Mayor of Thebes has described the Boeotia fire as dangerous
  
• Satellite images have captured the extent of the fires burning in Boeotia and Argolis
  
• The Mayor of Western Achaea says the fire at Floka is now more contained
  
• The fire in southern Rethymno, Crete, is also reported as more contained
  
• A Public Power Corporation (ΔΕΔΔΗΕ) employee has been arrested in connection with the Rethymno fire
  
• Greece’s Civil Protection agency has moved to its highest state of readiness because of very strong winds fanning the flames across the country

Firefighting operations against the major wildfire in southern Rethymno began once again today without aerial support, as strong winds continue to prevent firefighting aircraft from taking off. According to information provided by the Fire Service’s Coordination Center to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), the overall situation has improved compared with yesterday, although crews are still battling persistent flare-ups.

Strong ground firefighting forces remain deployed throughout the affected area, working continuously to contain hotspots that continue to reignite because of the strong winds.

The most serious problems are being reported in the areas of Krya Vrysi and Asomatos, where firefighters are concentrating their efforts to prevent the fire from spreading further.

The Coordination Centre stressed that, despite the improved conditions compared with yesterday, the operation remains fully underway and firefighting forces will stay on heightened alert until every active fire front has been brought completely under control.

Strong Firefighting Force Deployed to Xironomi, Boeotia

A wildfire broke out on Friday morning in agricultural and forest land near Xironomi, Boeotia, prompting an immediate response from the Fire Service.

A total of 49 firefighters, supported by three ground crews, 15 fire engines, and two helicopters, are currently battling the blaze. Heavy machinery and municipal water tankers are also assisting in the firefighting operation.

Access to forest areas in Halkidiki will be prohibited today, Friday, July 31, because of the high risk of wildfires (Fire Risk Index 3).

According to an announcement by the Halkidiki Regional Unit, the restriction will be in effect from 8:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. in the following areas:

• Municipality of Kassandra: Kassandra Peninsula – the “Ridgeline” (from Kassandrino to Agia Paraskevi), “Arapis,” and “Chalkovouni” in the Paliouri local community.
  
• Municipality of Sithonia: Sithonia Peninsula – Dragoundeli Ridgeline, from the Beekeepers’ Cooperative to Sykia.
  
• Municipality of Aristotelis: Komitsa to Ouranoupoli, Tsamia Stratoni, Fysoka, and the Stratoni shooting range.

Firefighters Battle Flames in Rethymno, Concern Focuses on Agia Paraskevi Front

The major wildfire in southern Rethymno remains out of control, with a large force from the Hellenic Fire Service continuing firefighting operations.

According to information provided by the Fire Service’s Coordination Centre to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), the nature of the fire, strong winds, and the area’s terrain and topography are making suppression efforts extremely difficult.

Krya Vrysi, the southern parts of the Municipality of Agios Vasileios in Rethymno, and the Preveli area remain active hotspots, with firefighting teams deployed from across Crete. Ground crews and EMODE (Special Forest Firefighting Units) operating on the various fronts have been reinforced by mobile units from mainland Greece and are attempting to halt the spread of the fire despite strong winds.

Local residents and volunteers are also assisting with firefighting efforts, while water tankers from the municipalities of Agios Vasileios, Amari, Rethymno, and southern municipalities of Heraklion, together with heavy machinery, are supporting the men and women of the Fire Service.

Firefighters worked throughout the night to contain the fire fronts and prevent further spread, focusing particularly on the Agia Paraskevi front to stop the flames from reaching homes in the village until aerial firefighting aircraft were able to resume operations.

Patras: Traffic Restrictions in Force Today Due to High Wildfire Risk

Because of the very high wildfire danger in the region today, Friday, July 31 (Fire Risk Category 4), the Independent Civil Protection Department has urged residents to remain vigilant and announced the following measures:

As a preventive measure, the circulation of vehicles and the presence of visitors will be prohibited from 9:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. on forest roads in the following areas:

• Kallithea Local Community: from the sports field upwards and from the reservoir upwards.
• Dasyllio pine forest in the Municipality of Patras and the pine forest in the Geriokomeio area.
• Kefalovryso pine forest in Krini (forest road network and firebreaks).
• Road from Agios Konstantinos to the Holy Monastery of Omblos (Krini).
• Karkalos Forest in Ano Kastritsi, including the areas of Mochlos, Charadros, Paschalianoi, Agia Paraskevi, Sofaina Bridge, and Mochlos.
• From the Platani Equestrian Club to Ano Kastritsi.
• Drepano – Agios Georgios – Anemodouri (Kaimaki).
• Momas Third Peri-Urban Forest in the Municipality of Patras.
• The mountainous zone of Zastova – Kokkinovrysi – Bala Fire Watchtower.

The restrictions do not apply to permanent residents, employees, landowners, livestock farmers, or those travelling on national, provincial, or paved municipal roads.

Firefighting Forces Reinforced in Achaia, Seven Aircraft Deployed

Firefighting forces battling the wildfire in the Floka area of Achaia have been reinforced.

A total of 114 firefighters, supported by five ground teams, 27 fire engines, four firefighting aircraft, and three helicopters, are currently operating at the scene. Municipal water tankers and heavy machinery are also assisting in the operation.

Photos from the fire in Floka, Achaia

Wildfire Breaks Out in Falaisia, Megalopolis, Arcadia

A wildfire has broken out in forestland in the Falaisia area of Megalopolis, Arcadia.

According to the Fire Service, the blaze started at approximately 11:10 p.m., and firefighting operations involve 48 firefighters, three ground teams from the 9th EMODE unit, and 12 fire engines.

Water tankers from the Municipality of Megalopolis are also assisting in the effort.

Firefighters battle two fire fronts in Argolis, at Fichtia and Chinitsa

Firefighters are locked in a fierce battle against two separate fire fronts in the Argolis region, at Fichtia and Chinitsa. Alongside the fire service, local residents have joined the effort, using tractors, hosepipes, buckets and whatever else they have at hand to try to save their properties from the flames.

Photos from the fire in Fichtia, Argolis