Wildfire in Greece prompts boat evacuation of about 250 tourists

A wildfire broke out on the Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece, threatening local tourist resorts. According to Greece's public broadcaster ERT, the fire made it necessary to urgently evacuate people from two coastal resorts on Thursday.

Evacuation by sea

Around 250 tourists were taken to safety by boat from the endangered area. The choice of sea transport suggests that the fire blocked or hindered evacuation by road, prompting rescue services to use boats as the safest and fastest option available.

Halkidiki is a popular summer holiday destination that typically attracts large numbers of tourists, including many from abroad, during August. Wildfires are a recurring problem in Greece during the hot, dry summer months, regularly threatening both local residents and holidaymakers in coastal areas.

The source report does not specify the cause of the fire, its size, or any damage caused.