More than 300 tourists and residents were evacuated by boat from the coastal village of Siviri in northern Greece’s Halkidiki peninsula on August 13 as wildfires driven by strong winds engulfed homes and forests near resorts during peak holiday season. The evacuation effort involved patrol craft, firefighting boats, and local fishing vessels, according to the coast guard.
140 firefighters, supported by nine aircraft and seven helicopters, battled flames on both sides of the main road from Siviri to the town of Kassandreia, with one firefighter injured and traffic halted. The fire charred holiday apartments and sea-facing balconies, while thick gray smoke filled the sky. Authorities stated their focus was on extinguishing the blaze and ensuring the safe transport of people.
Wildfires Spread Across Europe
Wildfires are raging across multiple European countries, fueled by successive heatwaves that have intensified drought conditions and left vegetation tinder-dry. In Germany, authorities ordered the evacuation of 1,800 residents from the village of Gey near the Belgian border after a wildfire spread toward residential areas. Evacuees were directed to an assistance center at a primary school in Strass.
In Croatia, hundreds fled the small tourist town of Lokva Rogoznica as flames swept through pine forests and into residential zones, destroying homes and vehicles. More than 150 firefighters were deployed, and 1,000 displaced people were relocated to a sports hall in Omis.
France also faced evacuations after a blaze broke out in the Landes forest near Luglon, burning through 600 hectares. The broader European continent, described as the world’s fastest-warming region, is experiencing an unusually active wildfire season, with experts linking the severity to climate-driven conditions.
Evacuations and Emergency Response
Evacuations in Siviri were conducted amid strong winds that fanned the flames, complicating firefighting efforts. Residents and visitors, some wearing protective face masks and holding pets, boarded small boats to escape as the fire consumed nearby forests. The coast guard confirmed the evacuation of over 300 people by vessel, with additional support from firefighting and patrol boats.
In Gey, Germany, municipal officials issued an evacuation order at 4 a.m., citing the rapid spread of the wildfire toward the village. The fire brigade in Greece reported deploying 200 firefighters to the Halkidiki peninsula, where water-bombing planes and helicopters worked to contain the flames.
Climate and Environmental Context
The ongoing heatwaves across Europe have exacerbated drought conditions, straining water supplies and leaving vegetation highly flammable. Wildfires in Spain, France, and Greece have scorched near-unprecedented amounts of land this summer, raising concerns about long-term ecological and economic impacts. Firefighters and authorities emphasized the need for coordinated regional responses to address the growing threat.