Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK Two wildfires broke out almost simultaneously on the Greek island of Salamina, west of Athens, on August 16, rapidly spreading amid very strong winds and a Category 4, very high fire risk, according to an emergency briefing by the Hellenic Fire Service.
The first fire started at 2:43 p.m. in the Peristeria area, while a second blaze was reported at 3:03 p.m. in the Kaki Vigla area of Selinia.
The Peristeria fire broke out in a mixed residential and forested area near Andromachis Street. The Fire Service confirmed that two people died in the fire before firefighters arrived. Their bodies were later discovered by firefighters during the firefighting operation.
According to the emergency briefing, surveillance drone images showed that the fire had spread toward nearby settlements within just seven minutes of the first reported images.
A total of 260 firefighters, including 15 forest commando teams, were deployed alongside 58 vehicles and numerous volunteer vehicles.
The aerial response included 10 aircraft and eight helicopters, with one helicopter assigned to coordination duties. Water tankers and construction machinery from the Municipality of Salamina and the Attica Region also assisted crews.
In cooperation with the forestry service, authorities opened firebreaks to help contain the flames.
The emergency response also involved evacuations. Six 112 emergency messages were issued to provide information and order evacuations from areas around Peristeria, Aias Club, Kolones, PPC Halioti, Perani and Kaki Vigla toward safer locations.
The firefighting operation has extended to the coastline, with several vessels deployed at Saterli Beach as authorities work to evacuate bathers.
Greek Police forces are also operating in the affected areas, managing traffic as the emergency response continues.
Medical teams have treated people affected by the fires. According to the Fire Service briefing, ambulances had transported eight people with burns and one elderly person to the Salamina Health Center.
The authorities urged residents and visitors to closely follow instructions from emergency services and comply with evacuation orders.
The Municipality of Salamina has also opened the “Bogri” Hall as a safe shelter for people requiring temporary accommodation and basic support, providing water and assistance to those seeking refuge.
The firefighting operation remains ongoing, with authorities continuing to monitor both fires and conditions on the island.