Firefighters battle deadly wildfire near Thessaloniki, two dead

More than 100 firefighters are battling a rapidly spreading blaze in the countryside near Thessaloniki, Greece, where the fire has already claimed at least two lives. The conflagration, which ignited in the early hours, quickly engulfed dry vegetation across the region, prompting the deployment of a large emergency response team that includes local fire units, national guard personnel and aerial support. Authorities have ordered evacuations for nearby villages and have closed several rural roads to facilitate the operation and protect residents.

Officials from the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection said the fire remains uncontrolled despite the extensive resources committed, and that the investigation into its cause is ongoing. Weather forecasts predict continued high temperatures and strong winds, conditions that could exacerbate the situation. The firefighting effort is expected to continue through the day, with officials urging the public to avoid the affected area and cooperate with emergency directives.