Hundreds of Tourists Evacuated: The Island Beloved by Israelis Goes Up in Flames

About 500 tourists and residents were evacuated by boats from beaches on the Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece, after a massive wildfire approached the resorts of Siviri and Fourka. Some vacationers entered the water to escape the flames, which reached heights of 30 meters. Strong winds hampered firefighting efforts, but later the fire was brought under control.

About 500 tourists and residents were evacuated by boats from beaches on the Halkidiki peninsula in northern Greece, after a massive wildfire approached the two popular resorts of Siviri and Fourka. Some vacationers entered the water to escape the flames, which reached heights of about 30 meters. Tourists were loaded onto emergency boats, along with residents wearing masks and carrying pets, while heavy gray smoke covered the sky and nearby forests. The fire broke out in an area of highly flammable pine forests, and the fire service reported that strong winds hampered firefighting efforts. Within hours, the fire approached homes around Siviri and Fourka, which were full of vacationers. Greece sent evacuation alerts to the phones of those vacationing at the resorts, and later it was reported that the fire was brought under control. Firefighting crews remained in the area for fear of re-ignition.