Two dead, four injured in Salamina wildfire as Greece's summer toll hits eight
Synopsis
Two unidentified bodies were found during firefighting operations on Salamina — the island nearest Athens — as twin wildfires burned simultaneously amid strong winds. With this, Greece's summer wildfire death toll has climbed to eight, and civil protection authorities warn that the most dangerous days may still be ahead.
Key Takeaways
Two bodies were recovered on Sunday during wildfire operations on the Greek island of Salamina ; identities remain unestablished.
Four people were evacuated with burn injuries ; evacuation orders were issued for the wider area.
Twin fires burned in Peristeria and Selinia , spreading rapidly in strong winds.
146 firefighters , four water-dropping aircraft , and six helicopters were deployed; the Hellenic Coast Guard was placed on alert.
Greece's summer wildfire death toll has risen to eight .
On 2 August , two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air over Attica during a separate wildfire operation.
Two bodies were recovered on Sunday during firefighting operations on the Greek island of Salamina, as a wildfire broke out around midday in the forested area of Peristeria, according to Fire Service sources cited by Greek national broadcaster ERT. The identities of the deceased have not yet been established. Four others were evacuated from the area with burn injuries, according to reports.
Two Fires Burning Simultaneously
A second blaze was reported burning concurrently in the Selinia area of the island, which lies close to Athens and the Piraeus port. Flames spread rapidly amid strong winds, compounding the challenge for emergency responders. Salamina's proximity to the Greek capital has heightened concern among authorities.
Scale of the Emergency Response
A total of 146 firefighters, backed by volunteers, were deployed to tackle the twin blazes. The aerial response included four water-dropping aircraft and six helicopters. The Hellenic Coast Guard was placed on alert, with vessels standing by to assist residents if ground evacuation proved insufficient. Evacuation orders were issued for people across the wider affected area.
Greece's Worsening Wildfire Season
The Salamina fatalities push the total number of wildfire deaths in Greece this summer to eight. Civil protection authorities had already warned of dangerous fire conditions across parts of mainland Greece and the Aegean islands in the days ahead, with the country facing elevated risk for over two weeks prior to this incident.
Notably, on 2 August, two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while battling a major wildfire in western Attica. The aircraft came down near the coastal area of Psatha, triggering a large-scale rescue operation. The pilot of one helicopter reportedly contacted the Fire Service's operations centre to report that the co-pilot had sustained injuries.
What Comes Next
With dangerous conditions forecast to persist across the Aegean region, Greek authorities are expected to maintain heightened alert levels. The pattern of multiple simultaneous fires — compounded by strong winds and dry conditions — signals that the country's emergency services face sustained pressure through the remainder of the summer.
Point of View
A mid-air helicopter collision during active firefighting, and simultaneous blazes on an island minutes from Athens and Piraeus port all point to a system under severe strain. The deployment of 146 firefighters and ten aircraft to Salamina alone raises questions about resource allocation when multiple fires burn concurrently across the country. What is missing from the coverage is a hard look at why firebreaks, early-detection systems, and land-management reforms — long recommended by European civil protection bodies — have not kept pace with the escalating risk.
NationPress
17 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened in the Salamina wildfire on Sunday?
Two bodies were found and four people were injured during a wildfire on the Greek island of Salamina on Sunday. The fires broke out around midday in the Peristeria forested area, with a second blaze burning in the Selinia area, as flames spread rapidly in strong winds.
How many people have died in Greek wildfires this summer?
The Salamina deaths bring Greece's total wildfire fatalities for the summer to eight. Civil protection authorities have warned of continued dangerous conditions across mainland Greece and the Aegean islands.
What evacuation measures were taken during the Salamina fire?
Evacuation orders were issued for residents in the wider affected area. The Hellenic Coast Guard was placed on alert with vessels ready to assist if needed, given the island's coastal geography.
What resources were deployed to fight the Salamina wildfires?
A total of 146 firefighters supported by volunteers were deployed, along with four water-dropping aircraft and six helicopters. Two simultaneous fires were being tackled on the island.
What was the helicopter collision incident in Greece in August?
On 2 August, two firefighting helicopters collided mid-air while battling a wildfire in western Attica, crashing near the coastal area of Psatha. The pilot of one helicopter reportedly contacted the Fire Service to report the co-pilot had been injured, prompting a large-scale rescue operation.
