KEY DEVELOPMENTS

Double fire front in Salamina with two dead – 364 people evacuated by sea

• An elderly couple was found dead in the Peristeria area, where the major fire in Salamina started.
• A second fire front is burning in the Selinia area. A total of 260 firefighters and 18 aerial assets are operating in Salamina to extinguish the two fires.
• According to reports, a resident of Andromachis Street who reported the fire to the Fire Service stated that the fire started in an adjacent plot of land on Andromachis Street that was filled with rubbish.
• Homes have been engulfed in flames, while eight people with burns and an elderly man after being rescued from a house in Kaki Vigla were taken to the Salamina Health Center.
• Numerous Coast Guard vessels are at the scene and have evacuated at least 364 people from Saterli and Kolones beaches.
• A barrage of 112 messages has been issued ordering the evacuation of settlements, while strong winds are prevailing in the area.

16/08/2026 15:31

Shelters opened in Salamina for residents

The Municipality of Salamina announced that facilities have been opened for residents.

“Residents are asked to remain calm, follow the instructions of the relevant authorities and obtain information only from official sources,” the municipal authorities said.

In its announcement, the Municipality of Salamina stated:

“Due to the fire currently underway in Salamina, the Municipality of Salamina has made the Town Hall available to residents who need a safe place for temporary accommodation and support.

The ‘Bogr i’ Hall is already open, where anyone in need can go. The Municipality has arranged for water and basic assistance to be provided to residents who come there.

Residents are asked to remain calm, follow the instructions of the relevant authorities and obtain information only from official sources.

The Municipality of Salamina remains on full alert and is standing by every resident who needs assistance. In these difficult hours, no one is alone.”

-Two major fires broke out in Salamina this afternoon, prompting a major mobilization by the Fire Service, with 146 firefighters and 10 aerial assets operating

-The first fire started in the Peristeria area, while the second broke out in the Selinia area, heading toward Kaki Vigla

-Four 112 messages have been sent ordering the evacuation of settlements, while strong winds are prevailing in the area

-The Hellenic Police has requested that two ferry boats be made available for evacuations by sea

16/08/2026 15:31

The fire in Selinia, Salamina

16/08/2026 15:53

Salamina mayor: Homes are under threat

Salamina Mayor Giorgos Panagopoulos spoke to protothema.gr

“The situation is difficult. There are two major fires, homes are under threat, and we have asked the police to bring us two ferry boats to Saterli Beach so that we can use them for people if we see that the situation becomes much more difficult.”

16/08/2026 15:48

All 112 evacuation messages sent so far for Salamina

Due to the development of the two fire fronts and the strong winds, 112 was activated repeatedly, with messages providing information and ordering residents to leave several areas of the island.

Specifically:

At 15:05, people in the areas of Peristeria and Aias Club were ordered to evacuate toward Aiantio.

At 15:18, 112 called on people in the Kolones area to move toward Saterli Beach.

At 15:32, an evacuation order was issued for the areas of DEI Chalioti and Perani, with people instructed to head toward Aiantio.

At 15:35, a new 112 message called on people in Kaki Vigla to also evacuate toward Aiantio.

16/08/2026 15:46

New 112 evacuation message

At 15:35, a new 112 message called on people in Kaki Vigla to also evacuate toward Aiantio.

16/08/2026 15:45

Very strong winds in Salamina

Firefighters are battling the flames under particularly difficult conditions, as the very strong winds blowing across Salamina are increasing the risk of the fire fronts spreading rapidly.

The area is today at very high risk of wildfire (Category 4).

16/08/2026 15:43

Water tankers from the Municipality of Salamina are also assisting the operation.

16/08/2026 15:41

10 aerial assets battling the fires

Four aircraft and six helicopters have been mobilized for aerial firefighting, one of which has taken on the role of coordinating the aerial assets.

16/08/2026 15:41

Forces reinforced, nearly 150 firefighters operating

Firefighting forces have been significantly reinforced, with 146 firefighters now operating, including nine wildfire-fighting units from the 1st Special Forest Operations Unit and 32 vehicles, along with volunteers.

16/08/2026 15:40

New 112 evacuation message

A new 112 message states: “If you are in the areas of DEI Chalioti and Perani, Salamina, evacuate via Peristerion Avenue toward Aiantio.”

16/08/2026 15:39

Hellenic Police requests vessels for evacuation

Reports indicate that the Hellenic Police has requested two ferry boats to carry out evacuations by sea from the area between Peristeria and Kaki Vigla.