Salamina Wildfire, 16 August 2026: Two Dead, 570+ Evacuated by Sea Near Athens
Updated 17 August 2026. Two wildfires broke out within minutes of each other on the island of Salamina, about 20 km west of central Athens, on the afternoon of Sunday 16 August 2026. Two people were killed, several suffered burn injuries and more than 570 residents and holidaymakers were evacuated by sea. Both fronts were reported brought under control by Sunday evening. Athens International Airport, Metro Line 3 and road transfers to and from the airport were not affected at any point.
| What | Status |
|---|---|
| Athens International Airport (ATH) | Operating normally — no flight disruption reported |
| Metro Line 3 to the airport | Running normally |
| Road transfers (Attiki Odos, Vouliagmenis, coastal road) | Running normally |
| Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio ports | Ferries sailing; no sailing ban in force |
| Salamina island (Perama–Paloukia ferry) | Fire-affected areas in Peristeria and Selinia; avoid non-essential travel |
| Attica fire risk | Red Code (very high) declared for 16 August; conditions remain hot, dry and windy |
What happened
The Fire Service Operations Centre was alerted at 14:43 on Sunday 16 August. Two separate fronts had started roughly 15 minutes apart at Peristeria and Selinia in the south of the island, and strong northerly winds pushed the flames out of control within minutes. Around 200 firefighters, 50 fire engines, water tankers, specialist forestry crews, aircraft and helicopters were deployed. A 112 emergency alert was issued at 14:55, followed by evacuation orders for Peristeria and the Aias Club area towards Aianteio.
Because several coastal settlements could only be reached through the flames, the Coast Guard organised an evacuation by sea. Five Coast Guard vessels, four passenger ships, launches, a barge and private boats lifted more than 570 people off the beaches at Peristeria, Kolones, Maroudi and Saterli. The bodies of an elderly couple, permanent residents of the island, were recovered near the point where the first fire started. Several homes were destroyed. Both fronts were reported under control by Sunday evening.
What this means for your Athens airport transfer
Practically nothing changes for arriving and departing visitors. Salamina sits in the Saronic Gulf west of Piraeus and is reached by a short car ferry from Perama — it is nowhere near the airport, the Attiki Odos motorway, Metro Line 3 or the Athens–Piraeus and Athens–Rafina transfer corridors. Flights, the metro and road transfers all ran normally throughout Sunday and continue to do so.
Two practical points do matter. First, if you had planned a day trip or a stay on Salamina, postpone it: parts of Peristeria and Selinia are burnt, emergency crews are still working and the Perama–Paloukia crossing is being used for relief traffic. Second, Attica remains under a very high fire-risk regime. Barbecues, open flames, sparks from machinery and discarded cigarettes are banned outdoors, and fines are enforced. If you are driving yourself around Attica in this period, check the Civil Protection daily fire-risk map before you set off, and if a 112 alert reaches your phone, follow it immediately rather than waiting for confirmation.
Sources: Keep Talking Greece, 16 August 2026 and ProtoThema English, 16 August 2026.
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On days when wildfires, winds or strikes are in the news, a pre-booked private transfer removes the guesswork: a fixed price agreed in advance, a driver tracking your flight, and a car waiting in arrivals whatever the queues outside look like.
Frequently asked questions
Is Athens airport affected by the Salamina fire?
No. Athens International Airport operated normally throughout the fire on 16 August 2026. Salamina is roughly 40 km west of the airport, on the other side of the city, and no flights, metro services or road transfers were disrupted.
Are ferries from Piraeus and Rafina still running?
Yes. There is no sailing ban in force and ferries are departing from Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio. Northerly meltemi winds are easing but can still reach 6–7 Beaufort in the south-eastern Aegean, so re-confirm island sailings with your operator before travelling to the port.
Can I still visit Salamina island?
Postpone any non-essential trip for now. The Peristeria and Selinia areas in the south of the island were badly burnt, homes were destroyed and emergency services are still working there. The Perama–Paloukia car ferry is the only access route and is needed for relief traffic.
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