Two wildfires broke out nearly simultaneously on August 16 on the Greek island of Salamina, near Athens, one near Peristeria beach in the south and another near Selinia beach in the east [1, 2, 3]. Strong winds reaching speeds of up to 61 km/h caused the fires to spread rapidly, threatening residential and beach areas within seven minutes [4, 3, 5]. The island was under a high wildfire risk warning on that day [1, 3].
Two people, believed to be a couple, were found dead near the Peristeria beach area, authorities confirmed [2, 6]. At least nine others suffered burn injuries, with some treated locally [7, 4, 5]. Firefighters deployed about 200 personnel, supported by around 50 fire engines, six aircraft, seven helicopters, and municipal water tankers to combat the blazes [1, 8, 9].
Hundreds of residents and tourists were evacuated mainly by sea using patrol boats, coast guard vessels, ferries, and private boats. Estimates vary, with some sources reporting about 90 evacuated, while others claim 500 to over 570 people were moved to safety [1, 7, 4, 3, 5]. Approximately 37,000 people live on Salamina, many of them elderly [1, 3].
Salamina Deputy Mayor Thodoris Zannis said firefighters tried to prevent the two fires from merging by containing them on a mountain [1]. Fire brigadier general Vasileios Vathrakogiannis explained that the strong winds allowed the fires to reach dangerous levels and spread rapidly toward populated areas [3].
The twin fires struck during Greece's peak holiday weekend near the August 15 Assumption Day, when many Athenians visit nearby islands including Salamina [10, 4]. The incidents are part of a larger wave of wildfires across Greece and Europe, driven by heatwaves, drought, and wind. At least 34 wildfires ignited across Greece on August 15-16 alone [2, 9].
Five firefighters have died during Greece's wildfire operations this August, including a Danish helicopter pilot involved in a collision [8, 9]. By the evening on August 16, one fire was brought under control while scattered fires continued, and evacuation operations ended [3]. Authorities continue firefighting efforts to contain the remaining fires on Salamina.
