A wildfire broke out late Wednesday night (July 9) in the forest above Glykadi near Limenas, on the northern coast of Thasos Island, Greece. The fire began around 11:30 p.m. local time and quickly spread along two forested fronts, threatening nearby resort zones and sparking a rapid mobilization of emergency services.
The blaze expanded through dense, rugged terrain, moving toward the coastal area of Pachis and the inland village of Rachoni. While no homes have been reported damaged, heavy smoke and proximity to tourist zones triggered immediate concern.
🔥 Μεγάλη #πυρκαγιά στη #Θάσο
— Εποχικοί Πυροσβέστες (@epoxpyrosvestes) July 9, 2025
Με έκτακτο νυχτερινό δρομολόγιο καταφθάνουν ενισχύσεις απο την Καβάλα. Οι άνεμοι είναι ισχυροί στο νησί αυτή την ώρα.
Το μεγαλύτερο μέρος του νησιού δεν έχει ρεύμα. Παράλληλα, άρχισαν να κλείνουν δρόμοι λόγω της φωτιάς. pic.twitter.com/sT93nenrMi
Emergency Response
Crews from the Hellenic Fire Service were on the scene within hours. The initial team of 18 firefighters and 9 engines was soon reinforced by 34 additional personnel and 6 vehicles from the nearby Kavala prefecture. Volunteers, water tankers, bulldozers, and local civil protection forces have also joined the effort.
Firefighting aircraft and helicopters were deployed at first light on Thursday (July 10), targeting the most inaccessible parts of the burning forest.
Power Cuts and Road Closures
While no evacuations have been ordered, a large portion of Thasos Island has experienced power outages. Officials say utility poles were damaged overnight, and repair crews are working to restore electricity to impacted areas.
Authorities have shut down roads between Limenas, Prinos, and Rachoni to allow safe access for fire engines and support vehicles. Locals and tourists are urged to avoid the affected areas.
Conditions and Risk
Weather has been a mixed factor. Winds that initially fanned the flames began easing early Thursday, helping crews slow the southeastern front. However, the northern front remains difficult to access, especially in forested ravines.
This fire comes during Greece’s peak fire risk season. The island has been under a Level 4 (“Very High”) fire risk alert, along with other parts of the northern Aegean.
