Fire Engulfs Halkidiki, Foreign Ministry Urges Citizens to Follow Authorities’ Instructions

A wildfire that broke out today in Halkidiki forced tourists and residents to leave areas at risk. Macedonian citizens are among those who have sought assistance and information.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade announced that Macedonian citizens in the affected areas had contacted the diplomatic and consular mission in Thessaloniki by phone. They were given the recommendations and instructions issued by the relevant Greek authorities.

The number of Macedonian citizens who have left the fire-stricken areas is not yet officially known. The Ministry said that Greek institutions have so far not provided data on evacuated Macedonian citizens.

The most serious situation was recorded in the tourist area of Siviri, in Kassandra, where the fire approached homes and tourist facilities. The danger prompted some tourists and residents to evacuate by land and sea.

Reuters reports that more than 300 people were evacuated from Siviri by boat. The operation involved the Greek Coast Guard, firefighting and patrol vessels, as well as private boats.

More than 140 firefighters were mobilized to tackle the blaze, supported by nine aircraft and seven helicopters. Their efforts were hampered by strong winds, which also accelerated the spread of the fire. One firefighter was injured.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, developments are being monitored continuously through the diplomatic and consular mission in Thessaloniki.

The Ministry urged Macedonian citizens currently in the affected areas of Halkidiki to remain informed about the situation and fully follow the instructions of the local authorities.

For emergency assistance or further information, the Ministry’s and the Thessaloniki Consulate’s duty phone numbers are available: +389 75 268 736, +30 694 526 8068 and +389 71 323 001.

For the time being, it has not been determined how many Macedonian tourists were directly involved in the evacuations.