A large wildfire broke out Thursday in Siviri, a resort area on Greece’s Halkidiki peninsula, prompting authorities to order an evacuation and significantly reinforce firefighting operations.
The fire was being fought by 122 firefighters, including three specialized wildfire crews, supported by 41 vehicles. Nine firefighting aircraft and three helicopters were deployed, including one helicopter coordinating the aerial response. Municipal water tankers and heavy machinery also assisted.
Authorities issued an emergency alert through Greece’s 112 warning system, instructing people in Siviri to evacuate toward Mola Kaliva.
The fire came as Halkidiki faced a heightened risk of wildfires. Authorities announced temporary restrictions on pedestrian and vehicle access to forested areas in the municipalities of Kassandra, Sithonia and Aristotelis.
The restrictions take effect Friday. In Kassandra and Sithonia, they run from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In Aristotelis, where the fire risk has been classified as very high, they remain in effect until 8 a.m. Saturday. Police will monitor access points to forest roads, and authorities said people found in restricted areas may be removed. Volunteers involved in wildfire prevention efforts are exempt.
