A wildfire that ignited near the village of Liti, about 15 kilometres northwest of Thessaloniki, has burned through the dry forest for hours, destroying two bodies and leaving a 12‑year‑old child unaccounted for.
Firefighters first discovered a charred body of a man in a heavily scorched area close to the town, and later uncovered a second corpse—a yet‑to‑be‑identified person—inside a house cradled by trees. A woman rescued from the same structure was treated for severe burn injuries and is now reporting stable in a local hospital.
The blaze, which broke out around 14:30 local time (11:30 GMT) on Tuesday, is still spreading along an estimated 5‑kilometre wall of flames. More than 100 firefighters, dozens of fire engines and at least seven aircraft are now engaged in fighting the fire.
Investigation officials have not yet determined the cause of the blaze, but officials note that the area was under a high wildfire risk warning, with dry air and high winds aggravating the fire’s rapid spread. Greek broadcaster ERT reports that only a few properties were damaged so far, but the fire’s momentum is heading toward the nearby village of Melissochori.
Residents of Liti were hurriedly urged to flee their homes, and communities have been advised to exercise caution. The missing child is believed to be the son of the deceased man and the injured woman.
This wildfire is Greece’s latest in a string of seasonal fires as the country prepares for its peak tourist period. The country has faced recurring droughts and heatwaves, and such blazes have become an all‑season reality for locals and visitors alike.
