Greek Island Wildfires: 2 Killed, Evacuations Underway

Sun Sep 06 2026 02:29:00 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Two deadly fires burn on a Greek island near Athens, prompting a 200‑person firefighting effort and sea evacuations.

A pair of wildfires erupted on the island of Salamina, sending smoke into the sky and forcing thousands to flee. Two people lost their lives, and nearly 200 firefighters along with 50 fire engines are battling the blazing front. The coast guard has evacuated about 90 civilians by sea and sent five patrol boats to aid the fight. High winds and a heat‑wave have exacerbated the conditions, mirroring Europe’s ongoing wildfire crisis. Greek residents, many of whom are elderly, remain at risk as authorities work to curb the blazes.

Greek Island Wildfires: 2 Killed, Evacuations Underway

Two deadly fires broke out on the island of Salamina, which lies just west of Athens, immediately imposing a tragic toll as two people died in the blaze. The flames sparked nearly at the same time, spreading rapidly thanks to sudden high winds, and the Greek fire authorities dispatched almost 200 firefighters to fight the blazes and keep them from merging into one huge wildfire.

Coastguard officials report that roughly 90 residents have been evacuated by sea, with five patrol boats at the scene and private vessels offering assistance. An aircraft squadron and 50 fire engines have been mobilized to suppress the fire.

Salamina’s Deputy Mayor Thodoris Zannis said that the team is targeting the slope so that the fires don’t burn over the mountain and create a single, larger front. The island is home to about 37,000 residents—many elderly—making the evac urgent.

This fire incident comes amid a week of intense wildfire activity across Europe, where heat and wind have triggered huge forest and residential fires. As fire crews near Salamina continue their work, the broader region edges toward a precarious fire season.