Two bodies were found as firefighters battled a major wildfire on the Greek island of Salamina on Sunday, with strong winds driving flames near residential areas and emergency crews fighting multiple fronts.
The bodies, whose identities had not been released, were found in the Peristeria area, near the location where the fire is believed to have started, according to Greek media reports. The circumstances of their deaths had not yet been officially detailed.
The wildfire broke out amid dangerous fire conditions across Attica and spread through areas close to homes on Salamina, the island just off the coast of Athens.
🔥🚨 Τραγωδία στη Σαλαμίνα με δύο νεκρούς.
Η φωτιά έχει προκαλέσει σοβαρές καταστροφές, με σπίτια να έχουν τυλιχθεί στις φλόγες, ενώ σκάφη σπεύδουν για την απομάκρυνση κατοίκων διά θαλάσσης.
🎥 Κωνσταντίνος Σεβαστιάδης / Facebook pic.twitter.com/9UuAsGlnUz
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Firefighters battle two fronts
Two major fire fronts were reported on the island, with one affecting Peristeria and another in the Selinia area.
Firefighting forces were substantially reinforced as the emergency developed. According to the latest available reports, 146 firefighters, nine ground teams from the Special Forest Operations Unit and 32 fire engines were deployed, alongside volunteers. Aircraft and helicopters had also been mobilized earlier in the operation.
Strong winds were making the effort particularly difficult, with the island under a very high wildfire risk warning, classified as Category 4.
Πατητηρι Σαλαμινα
#Σαλαμινα pic.twitter.com/ljk4H5fFc2— anaisthisiologa® (@giatrina_) August 16, 2026
Four people treated for burns
Four people were taken from the Peristeria area with burns and transferred to the Salamina Health Center, according to the reports. Their condition was described as good.
An elderly man was also rescued from his home in the Kaki Vigla area and taken to the health center.
Authorities issued evacuation instructions as the fire approached populated areas. Earlier reports also indicated that vessels were being prepared to assist with evacuations by sea if necessary.
Homes threatened as emergency continues
The full extent of the damage was not immediately clear, although reports from the island said homes and other property had been threatened by the rapidly spreading fire.
Salamina, located in the Saronic Gulf and within easy reach of Athens, is a densely populated island with numerous residential communities, making the wildfire’s spread toward inhabited areas a major concern.
Related: Firefighters Battle Wildfires on the Greek Islands of Skyros and Andros
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