Two killed as wildfire destroys home near Thessaloniki in northern Greece

Wednesday 01 July 2026 - 07:35

By: Sahili Aya

Two killed as wildfire destroys home near Thessaloniki in northern Greece

Two people have died after a rapidly spreading wildfire destroyed a house in a forested area near the village of Liti, close to Thessaloniki in northern Greece, according to the country's fire brigade.

The blaze erupted on Tuesday afternoon in nearby bushland before being driven by strong winds into residential areas. The fire quickly intensified, eventually engulfing a home where the two victims lost their lives.

Local media reported that the affected property was located in a wooded settlement approximately 25 kilometers (16 miles) northwest of Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city.

Firefighters were deployed to battle the fast-moving flames as challenging weather conditions complicated containment efforts. Strong winds accelerated the spread of the wildfire, increasing the risk to nearby homes and surrounding vegetation.

Authorities have not yet released the identities of the victims or provided further details on the circumstances surrounding their deaths. Emergency services continue to monitor the area while assessing the extent of the damage.

The incident comes as Greece enters the peak of its annual wildfire season, a period during which high temperatures, dry vegetation and strong winds frequently combine to create dangerous fire conditions across the country.

Wildfires have become an increasingly significant challenge in southern Europe in recent years, with Greece regularly experiencing destructive blazes that threaten communities, forests and critical infrastructure during the summer months.

Officials continue to urge residents in vulnerable areas to follow evacuation orders and fire safety guidance as emergency crews work to contain active fires and prevent further loss of life.