Wildfire near Thessaloniki prompts evacuations of three suburbs

A fast-moving wildfire broke out Saturday evening near the suburbs of Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city. m. local time and spread quickly to the plains, burning mostly brush. No residences were damaged, but several businesses caught fire. Residents of the settlements of Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini received text alerts to evacuate.

A facility housing 157 people with special needs was also evacuated; about 120 residents who could walk were sheltered in a gym while the remainder were moved to a psychiatric hospital.

Around midnight, the Fire Service announced that a 76-year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of starting the fire. Officials said the man appeared not to be sober. Residents of Thessaloniki itself reported seeing flames and hearing explosions from burning materials inside the affected businesses.

A heavy cloud of smoke blanketed several suburbs and western areas of the city. About 115 firefighters and 38 fire engines responded, along with an unknown number of volunteers. Firefighting planes briefly engaged but do not operate after dark. Strong local winds made containment difficult.

Additional blazes were reported around Thessaloniki on Saturday, including on the Halkidiki Peninsula and in the city of Kilkis to the north. Greece experiences frequent wildfires during its long, hot, dry and windy summers. The country avoided serious damage in June, but a major wildfire struck central Greece on Wednesday, killing a father and his 12-year-old son.