A fast-moving wildfire breaks out near Thessaloniki, Greece’s second-largest city, prompting evacuations in three suburbs north of the city. Multiple reports say the fire spreads quickly and threatens nearby communities, with smoke reported to blanket surrounding areas. Authorities order residents to leave their homes as the blaze moves through a mountainous region, described as starting in a ravine in at least one account.
The fire service reports the incident begins on Saturday evening, and outlets cite strong winds as a key factor making the fire difficult to contain. These conditions contribute to the rapid spread and complicate firefighting efforts.
One report also says Greece’s public broadcaster reports an arrest: a 76-year-old man is detained on suspicion of starting the wildfire, allegedly after his vehicle produces sparks. Other sources focus on the evacuation and the threat to Thessaloniki’s suburbs, without adding further details about a suspected cause.
