Greek Wildfire Claims Two Lives, Drives Evacuation Ahead of Summer Rush

A massive blaze near Thessaloniki has already claimed two lives and left a wounded woman and a missing 12‑year‑old child.

More than 100 firefighters, dozens of fire engines and at least seven aircraft have been deployed as a five‑kilometre wall of flames pushes toward Melissochori, reminding Greece that summer wildfires can be deadly.

The ignition source is still unknown, but the region was under a high‑risk warning with dry heat and high winds preventing containment and sparking flare‑ups across the affected area.

A man’s body was first discovered near Liti, followed by a second—an unidentified victim—inside a house in a forested sector. The missing child is believed to be the son of the deceased man and the wounded woman, prompting a nationwide search.

The fire coincides with Greece’s upcoming tourist season, urging broadcasters like ERT to urge evacuation of at‑risk properties as the flames threaten the festive summer relief that the country traditionally enjoys.