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Greece reported 96 fires in open areas over the past two days, as a wildfire near the northern port city of Thessaloniki spread into an industrial zone and sent toxic smoke over a wide area.
Government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis said the fires broke out across agricultural and forested land, referring to outdoor areas such as farmland and wooded zones.
He noted that crews had faced particular difficulty in the past 24 hours in Oinoi and Oraiokastro, where simultaneous fires made response efforts more demanding.
In Oraiokastro, a municipality near Thessaloniki, a wildfire that started in forested land moved into an industrial zone, an area where factories and businesses are located, according to local media.
Public broadcaster ERT reported that the blaze damaged multiple businesses and homes after breaking out on Saturday afternoon. An oil processing factory and a recycling plant were still burning despite firefighting efforts, adding to concerns over toxic smoke.
Authorities urged residents to stay indoors and keep their windows closed as much as possible to avoid exposure.
Five firefighters were hospitalized during the response. Three were treated for respiratory problems, one for a hand injury and one for exhaustion.
Marinakis also said 20 people were detained between July 1 and July 5 on suspicion of causing fires. Authorities issued 20 administrative fines, meaning official penalties imposed by authorities, totaling €55,000 ($62,777).
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