Thursday, July 10, 05:00 – A wildfire broke out shortly before midnight last night in the western approaches to the island’s main town of Limenas (Thassos Town).  The main fire front is next to and above the main road out of town to the village of Prinos and above Glykadi Beach. A further front has also broken out on the ridgeline above the main outbreak. The local fire service is fighting the fire with local volunteers and reinforcements that have been rushed to the island from the mainland.

The main western road between Thassos Town and the south of the island has been closed. Damage from the fire has also caused a loss of electric power from the village of Sotiras south to the town of Limenaria.The strong winds that were spreading the fire early on have thankfully abated. No buildings or residential areas are threatened, with the fire concentrated in areas of pine forest. However, some olive groves and a number of bee colonies have been lost.

Early reports stated that one hotel located in the Pachis area had been evacuated as a precaution, but the mayor of the island has asked locals and tourists not to panic as the situation is under control.

Daybreak will allow aerial firefighting forces from the mainland to join the battle.

05:45 – Reports from the local force are that the fire has stopped spreading and is under control, although active fronts are still flaring up in the forested slopes above Glykadi, in the direction of Pachis and on the summit ridgeline. Heavy smoke continues to blanket the area.

06:00 – Three Canadair firefighting aircraft and two helicopters are now supporting the ground forces.

08:00 – We are glad to report that the fire seems now to be in remission with ground and air forces dealing with small flare-ups and dampening down the active areas.

The authorities have confirmed that the wildfire is out. However, the fire has consumed a forest area of ​​750 acres, consisting of pine and olive trees, and also including numerous beehives that were located in the area. Sadly, a mobile beach canteen located at Glikadi beach, including its beach furniture, was also destroyed.

Investigations have concluded that the likely cause of the fire was a failure in a private electricity generator being used by the mobile canteen on the Glikadi beach.