After a very long battle that lasted all night, the fire that broke out on Saturday evening in Oreokastro, Thessaloniki, no longer has an active front in the forested area. The latest reports indicate that the Fire Department has been conducting water bombing operations since early this morning, while firefighting efforts continue at the two factories that were engulfed in flames. One factory is a textile factory and the other is a recycling plant. 

At the same time, the large-scale firefighting operation continues, with aerial units making continuous water drops, using the Thermaic Gulf as a water source. Firefighters are battling to contain the fire and gain safer access to areas where high heat intensity persists.

According to reports from the scene, firefighting efforts are expected to last several more hours, as the fire continues to flare up and explosions are being reported at the recycling plant. The same reports indicate that more than ten explosions have been heard, suggesting that large quantities of flammable materials remain inside the facility.

To bring the situation fully under control, 160 firefighters continue to operate at the scene, while it should be noted that in the previous hours, assistance was provided by aerial resources and by the Army’s “Deukalion” team of the Army.

Meanwhile, thick black smoke continues to blanket a large part of Thessaloniki, with the smoke plume visible from many kilometers away. The smell of burning plastic is strong in parts of the city, while images show the smoke reaching as far as downtown Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square, and the Thermaic Gulf.

Currently, 160 firefighters are operating on the fire fronts, along with 5 ground crews, 52 vehicles, and numerous individual volunteers and volunteer groups. At first light, two aircraft and two helicopters were deployed for aerial firefighting, and orders have been given to deploy additional aerial resources.

Water tankers and construction machinery from the Region of Central Macedonia, as well as earth-moving equipment from the Directorate of Construction and Natural Disaster Response, are assisting in the firefighting efforts. The General Staff of the Hellenic Armed Forces (GEETHA) has activated the Deukalion team to assist with firefighting efforts.

At the same time, Greek Police units have been deployed to manage traffic, as well as EKAΒ (National Ambulance Service) teams for immediate response where needed.

Yesterday, Saturday, at 8:52 p.m., a message was issued by 112 instructing residents of the Anthoupoli area of Oreokastro to evacuate to the “TITAN” area.

At 1:19 a.m., a message was issued by 112 to evacuate residents from Anthoupoli, Oreokastro, to the Liti sports field, and at 1:44, a message was issued instructing residents of Filothei to evacuate to the Eukarpia indoor gymnasium.

At 02:44, a new message was issued by 112, calling for protective measures due to smoke in Anthoupoli, Oreokastro.

Toxic smoke has reached Thessaloniki

Thick black smoke has blanketed a large part of Thessaloniki due to the massive fire in Oreokastro, with the smoke plume visible from many kilometers away. The smell of burning plastic is strong in parts of the city, while images show the smoke reaching as far as downtown Thessaloniki, Aristotelous Square, and the Thermaic Gulf.

Authorities are urging citizens to be especially cautious, recommending that windows remain closed and that non-essential travel be avoided, especially by people in vulnerable groups, such as the elderly, children, and people with respiratory problems, due to the smoke polluting the air.

Four firefighters were transported to the 424th Military Hospital

Four firefighters who participated in the operation to extinguish the large fire in Oreokastro were transported to the 424th General Military Training Hospital, according to a statement from EKAV.

Three of them experienced breathing difficulties due to smoke inhalation, while another required medical attention for an orthopedic injury.

The firefighters remain under medical observation and are receiving the necessary care, while the emergency medical system, including the National Ambulance Service (EKAV) and local hospitals, is on high operational alert.

So far, there are no reports of other injuries, burns, or health issues among civilians or members of the emergency response teams operating at the scene.

A 76-year-old man was arrested after causing sparks with his vehicle; he had been drinking

A 76-year-old Greek national, who allegedly engaged in dangerous driving, possibly causing sparks that led to the outbreak of the fire in Oreokastro, was arrested by the authorities.

Following an investigation and witness testimony, his involvement in the major fire—for which he had initially been brought in as the prime suspect—was confirmed.

According to the preliminary investigation findings and his confession, the 76-year-old caused the fire when he engaged in reckless driving, creating sparks that ignited the blaze. During the investigation of the case, it was also determined that he showed obvious signs of intoxication.

Consequently, he was arrested on the spot for causing the fire and is being brought before the competent prosecuting authorities.

It should be noted that, from the very beginning, to investigate and immediately determine the causes of the fire, a special team of experienced officials from the Directorate for Combating Arson Crimes (DAEE) from Athens traveled to Thessaloniki to assist the Thessaloniki Arson Crimes Investigation Unit (AKAEE) in its investigations.

READ ALSO: PHOTO: An all-night inferno in Oreokastro, Thessaloniki—Businesses burned down, flames reached the backyards of homes | AlphaNews

Source: PROTO THEMA