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Salamina wildfire: 2 dead, burn victims, homes destroyed & 90 rescued by sea

The situation has reached dramatic proportions as two wildfires rage across Salamina, leaving two people dead, several citizens injured with burns, and initial reports confirming that homes have been engulfed in flames. A large-scale evacuation…

Salamina wildfire: 2 dead, burn victims, homes destroyed & 90 rescued by sea
Greece
newsroom

The situation has reached dramatic proportions as two wildfires rage across Salamina, leaving two people dead, several citizens injured with burns, and initial reports confirming that homes have been engulfed in flames. A large-scale evacuation operation is simultaneously underway, with residents and holidaymakers being evacuated both by land and by sea, while powerful winds continue to hamper firefighting efforts.

Read also: Salamina fire: Shocking drone footage shows the wildfire’s spread within just 4 minutes (Images)

Two dead in the major Salamina wildfire

The two bodies were discovered during firefighting operations on Andromachis Street, in Peristeria, near the point where the first fire broke out. Officially, the identities of the two victims have not yet been confirmed. However, according to initial reports, they are believed to be an elderly couple.

The speed at which the fire spread is perhaps the clearest indicator of its ferocity. The Fire Service Operations Centre was notified of the outbreak in Peristeria at 14:43, and within just seven minutes, the blaze had expanded rapidly, with strong winds driving the flames toward residential areas.

There are now confirmed reports of houses that have burned down, though an official overall damage assessment for homes and other properties has not yet been released.



Burn victims treated at health centre – Elderly man rescued from his home

The National Emergency Medical Service (EKAB) has also been placed on heightened operational alert. Four citizens suffering from burns were collected from the Peristeria area and, according to EKAB, were in a stable condition before being transferred to the Salamina Health Centre.

In addition, an elderly man was rescued from inside his home in Kaki Vigla and was picked up by ambulance for transfer to the health centre. EKAB remains on standby to further reinforce its units as the situation develops and needs arise.

Sea rescue operation underway – Around 90 people already evacuated

At the same time, a large-scale sea rescue operation is in progress, as the approach to certain coastal areas and the safe evacuation of residents can only be carried out by watercraft. According to the latest update from the Hellenic Coast Guard, operations are being conducted in the sea areas of Santerli and Kolones, with seven Coast Guard vessels and the assistance of private boats.

Approximately 90 people have already been evacuated, and are being transferred aboard three passenger-vehicle ferries.

The maritime response effort is extensive. Coast Guard vessels, passenger-vehicle ferries, launches, a barge, and private craft have all been deployed to assist in the areas of Peristeria, Kolones, Maroudi, and Santerli, while a Fire Service vessel is also present in the Peristeria area.

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192 firefighters and 14 aircraft deployed

The Fire Service operation is in full swing, with forces tackling two separate fires: the first in Peristeria, which broke out at approximately 14:45, and the second in Selinia, shortly after 15:00. In total, 192 firefighters are deployed, along with 10 ground infantry teams from the 1st EMODE unit, 48 vehicles, and volunteers.

From the air, six fixed-wing aircraft and eight helicopters have been assigned and are conducting periodic water drops, with one helicopter dedicated to coordinating aerial assets. Water tankers and machinery from the Municipality of Salamina are also supporting firefighting forces.

Successive evacuation orders via emergency alert 112

The rapid spread of the fires triggered a series of emergency alert messages via the 112 system. At 14:55, the first warning regarding the fire was issued. By 15:05, residents in the Peristeria and Aias Club areas were ordered to evacuate toward Aiantio. At 15:18, those in Kolones were directed to move toward Santerli beach, while at 15:22 an alert followed for the second front in Selinia.

At 15:32, a new evacuation order was issued for the DEI Chaliotis and Perani areas, directing residents toward Aiantio. At 15:35, citizens in Kaki Vigla were also instructed to leave in the same direction.

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