A severe fire that erupted in the Oraiokastro suburb of Thessaloniki late Saturday night has covered the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki in a toxic cloud of smoke. Authorities arrested a 76-year-old man on Sunday whose reckless driving allegedly sparked the blaze that engulfed two local factories and hospitalized four firefighters.
Reckless driving triggers toxic fire
The fire broke out on Saturday evening. Investigators from the Arson Crimes Investigation Directorate (DAEE) in Greece determined the 76-year-old suspect caused sparks with his vehicle while driving under the influence of alcohol. He was arrested for causing the fire and is currently facing the local prosecutor.
The flames quickly spread to a forested area and an industrial zone in Oraiokastro, a suburbian town of Thessaloniki. While the forest front is now contained, firefighting forces are locked in an intense battle to extinguish the blazes raging inside a textile factory and a recycling plant.
Operations at the recycling facility remain extremely hazardous. Rescue teams reported hearing multiple explosions coming from the building, indicating that large quantities of highly flammable materials remain inside. Constant flare-ups are expected to prolong the extinguishing effort for several hours.
Massive emergency response
A massive deployment of emergency personnel remains on the scene. More than 160 firefighters, five ground teams, and 52 vehicles were operating in Oraiokastro as of Sunday morning. They were supported by volunteers, municipal water trucks, and heavy earth-moving machinery.
Early on Sunday morning local time, aerial support joined the efforts to put out the dangerous blaze. Two firefighting aircraft and two helicopters began conducting continuous water drops, utilizing the nearby Thermaikos Gulf for rapid refueling. The Greek military has also activated its “Deucalion” disaster response unit to assist, while police manage road closures and emergency medical services (EKAB) remain on high alert.
During the overnight battle, four firefighters sustained injuries and were transported to the 424 General Military Hospital in Thessaloniki. Three suffered from respiratory issues due to the dense smoke, and one required treatment for an orthopedic injury. All four remain under medical observation. No civilian injuries have been reported.
Toxic smog prompts evacuations
The burning plastics and industrial materials have cast a thick, black toxic smog over Thessaloniki, whose metropolital area exceeds one million inhabitants. The smoke is visible from kilometers away, reaching the city center, Aristotelous Square, and the Thermaikos Gulf. A strong smell of burning plastic is lingering across several areas of Thessaloniki.
Throughout Saturday night and early Sunday morning, the civil protection emergency number 112 issued multiple emergency alerts and even evacuation orders. Residents in the Anthoupolis and Filothei neighborhoods were directed to local stadiums and indoor gyms for safety.
Authorities are urging all residents of Thessaloniki, particularly the elderly, children, and those with respiratory conditions, to keep their windows shut and avoid unnecessary outdoor movement until the hazardous atmospheric conditions clear.
Related: Greece Battles 60 Wildfires in a Day Amid Evacuations in the North
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