Wildfires on Salamis kill two
Analysis based on 9 articles · First reported Aug 16, 2026 · Last updated Aug 16, 2026
The wildfires on Greece — Salamina and Greece — Skyros are likely to impact the Greek tourism sector, a key economic driver, as well as increase insurance claims for property damage. The immediate market reaction may be limited, but prolonged wildfire seasons could affect investor sentiment toward Greek assets and raise concerns about climate-related risks.
On August 16, 2026, two wildfires broke out almost simultaneously on the Greek island of Greece — Salamina near Athens, in the Peristeria and Selinia beach areas. The fires, fueled by strong winds reaching 61 km/h, spread rapidly, forcing the evacuation of over 570 people by sea and land. Two people, reportedly an elderly couple, died before firefighters could reach them. Nine people required medical care for burns. The Greece — Hellenic Fire Service mobilized a large force of around 260 firefighters, nearly 60 engines, 10 aircraft, and seven helicopters, with reinforcements from the mainland. The Greece — Civil Protection Ministry issued four evacuation orders. The Selinia blaze was contained by evening, while scattered pockets of fire remained at Peristeria. Separately, a fire on the island of Greece — Skyros, which started Saturday, was largely contained after burning about 1,300 hectares of forest. Greece has experienced several major wildfires since late July, with 36 blazes in the past 24 hours. Five firefighters have died so far this season, including a Danish pilot in a helicopter collision. Experts attribute the increased fire risk to climate change, which has made droughts and extreme weather more severe.
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