Wildfires Trap Tourists in Central Greece as Evacuations by Sea Underway

Wildfires engulf central Greece, forcing seaside evacuations and trapping tourists as authorities rush to contain blazes and coordinate emergency rescues.

Wildfires Trap Tourists in Central Greece as Evacuations by Sea Underway
Liberal News
Publish: 02.08.2026
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A large wildfire near Agios Vasileios in Viotia has forced around 500 people, mostly tourists, to evacuate by sea after the town became hemmed in by rapidly spreading flames driven by strong winds, Greek fire officials told local media on Friday.

Authorities said more than 200 people have already been moved inland and about 100 are being taken by boat from Agios Vasileios, while emergency teams work to remove others still in the town. Residents had earlier been advised to move inland before the fire reached the outskirts.

Another coastal blaze burned through farmland and advanced into the rural town of Xironomi, and separate fires have ignited further along the coast. On Crete, firefighters continue to battle a large wildfire that has scorched thousands of hectares and prompted the temporary evacuation of 8,000 people.

Fires have also been reported on the islands of Paros, Andros and Kalymnos. Officials attributed the widespread blazes to a sequence of heatwaves that created favourable conditions, with dry vegetation providing fuel for the fires.

Liberal News Analysis: What Does This Development Mean?

The wildfires in central Greece have led to maritime evacuations and local inland moves, with authorities coordinating boat transfers and emergency removals. Multiple simultaneous blazes across Greek islands and mainland areas have stretched firefighting resources, while regional heatwaves and dried vegetation are cited as contributing factors in the source report.

Quick Glance: What You Need to Know

  • About 500 people, mostly tourists, were stranded near Agios Vasileios and are being evacuated by sea.
  • More than 200 people moved inland and roughly 100 taken by boat; emergency teams continue evacuations.
  • Crete wildfire has torched thousands of hectares and temporarily displaced 8,000 people; other islands also affected.
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