The wildfire that broke out Thursday afternoon in Rafina and spread to Pikermi and Spata is now subsiding, though fire crews remain on high alert for flare-ups. The blaze has caused significant damage, burning homes and vehicles and prompting the evacuation of over 300 residents from three settlements—Agia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefkos—following emergency alerts. At least 57 people were rescued, while 170 firefighters with 48 vehicles and specialized forest units remain active in the area, supported earlier by 17 aircraft and 7 helicopters. Traffic in affected areas has resumed, and the port of Rafina has reopened after ferry rerouting to Lavrio.

Meanwhile, smoke reached as far as Athens International Airport without disrupting flights. Authorities warn of a very high wildfire risk (Category 4) on Friday in Attica, Euboea, the Peloponnese, and the North Aegean, urging public caution and readiness as fire services continue aerial and ground patrols.

The fire in Pikermi has subsided, allowing authorities to reopen the port of Rafina. Earlier, due to the fire, ships headed for Rafina were rerouted to the port of Lavrio. The Fast Ferries Andros and Superferry, originally bound for Rafina from Mykonos, Tinos, and Andros, docked in Lavrio instead. The Andros Queen departed Rafina for the Cyclades with delays caused by the fire, while the Evia Star, en route to Rafina with 125 passengers, 30 cars, 2 trucks, and 17 crew members, returned to Marmari in Evia.

As of the evening of July 3rd, traffic has resumed in Pikermi and along Marathon Avenue, which had been closed due to the blaze. Additionally, firefighters, rescuers, and volunteers cared for at least 22 domestic animals that were endangered or distressed by the fire in Pikermi and Spata, according to ERT.

Updated: The fire in Pikermi is now under better control, although it has caused significant damage, including at least 10 homes and several vehicles. The blaze started Thursday afternoon in Rafina and spread towards Pikermi and Spata. Firefighters continue to battle the fire, with 170 personnel, 48 vehicles, and specialized forest units on site, supported by 17 aircraft and 7 helicopters conducting water drops.

Authorities issued evacuation orders via the 112 alert system for the settlements of Agia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefko, evacuating over 300 residents and completing 51 rescues. Key roads, including Marathon Avenue and parts of Kiafa and Agios Christoforos streets, remain closed, though traffic flows normally in Pikermi. Smoke from the fire reached Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, but flights continue as scheduled.

Update: A broad inter-ministerial meeting was held today at 5:00 PM by the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, to address the wildfire that broke out earlier in the Municipality of Rafina. The top priority is the immediate protection of residents and visitors, along with strengthening operational response. Despite quick firefighting efforts, the fire spread rapidly, prompting evacuation orders via the 112 alert system for the settlements of Agia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefkos.

Emergency services have deployed ambulances and rapid-response motorcycles to the area, while nearby hospitals and health centers are on standby. The Coast Guard is also prepared, and ferry routes to the port of Rafina have been redirected to Lavrio.

Minister Kefalogiannis emphasized the need for continuous vigilance and coordination among all agencies, noting that this is a difficult fire in a mixed area of forest and homes, requiring constant alertness and no complacency.

Wind conditions are expected to gradually ease, improving firefighting conditions, providing hope for containment. Currently, 170 firefighters with 48 vehicles, 8 forest-commando teams, 17 aircraft, and 7 helicopters (including one coordinating helicopter) are fighting the blaze, supported by regional water trucks and military machinery.

So far, police have rescued 51 people and evacuated over 300 residents from affected settlements.

Update: A wildfire is raging between Rafina and Pikermi, causing damage to at least 10 homes and forcing evacuations in the settlements of Agia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefko. The police have rescued nine residents so far. Due to the fire, ferry routes have changed, with some ships rerouted to Lavrio and Marmari. Marathonos Avenue is closed in both directions, and traffic is blocked on Kiafas Street toward Spata.

Smoke from the fire has reached Eleftherios Venizelos Airport, causing minor flight disruptions earlier. In the past 24 hours, the fire service has responded to 40 wildfires nationwide, with 35 quickly contained and 5 still active. Investigations into the causes are ongoing.

Updated: Wildfire in Rafina Moving Toward Spata – Strong Firefighting Forces Deployed

A large wildfire broke out on Thursday afternoon (July 3) along Marathonos Avenue in Rafina, with the fire front moving in the direction of Spata. Authorities have issued an emergency alert via 112 for the evacuation of three settlements.

Firefighting Forces Strengthened

A total of 104 firefighters, 28 fire trucks, 6 ground teams, and volunteers have been mobilized to battle the flames. Aerial support includes 4 aircraft and 6 helicopters, while local government water tankers are assisting.

Smoke Disrupts Airport Operations

According to public broadcaster ERT, the thick smoke affected operations at Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos), temporarily closing one runway and causing flight delays.

Separate Wildfire in Ierapetra Rekindles

Meanwhile, firefighters are also battling a rekindled wildfire in Ierapetra, Crete. Around 2:00 PM, a new 112 evacuation alert was sent to residents in Katharades, Ferma, Koutsounari, and Kakia Skala, urging them to move toward Ierapetra.

Though the main fire line has been partially contained, strong winds are fueling scattered flare-ups. The municipality of Ierapetra has requested that the affected areas be declared under a state of emergency—a request that was approved.

Arrest in Vourvourou Wildfire

Elsewhere, a 45-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the major wildfire in Vourvourou, Halkidiki.

As firefighting efforts continue across multiple regions, authorities are urging the public to follow evacuation orders and remain alert.

An emergency alert (112) was sent to people in the areas of Agia Kyriaki, Etos Steko, and Imeros Pefkos, instructing them to evacuate via Agia Kyriaki Street and Marathon Avenue toward the Artemida sports field.

Due to the fire, traffic has been stopped on Marathon Avenue at the intersection with Arionos Street, in the direction toward Athens, in the area of Pikermi.

A total of 90 firefighters have been deployed, along with 6 ground teams, 15 fire engines, volunteers, 2 firefighting aircraft, and 3 helicopters. Water tankers from local authorities are also assisting in the effort.