Massive fire near Thessaloniki engulfs oil factory, homes and businesses damaged

A major fire has engulfed the municipality of Oraiokastro, near the port city of Thessaloniki in Greece, spreading into an industrial area and causing extensive damage, while a wide area has been covered by toxic smoke.

According to local media, the flames broke out on Saturday afternoon, initially in a forested area, before rapidly spreading toward the industrial complex. As a result, businesses and homes have been damaged. Meanwhile, an oil processing factory and a recycling plant continue to burn, although firefighters are working intensively to bring the situation under control.

Because of the toxic smoke, authorities have urged residents to keep their windows closed and avoid going outside as much as possible.

During the operation to extinguish the flames, five firefighters ended up in hospital. Three of them experienced breathing problems, one was injured in the hand, while another was admitted due to exhaustion.