112 Warning and Reinforcements from Rhodes and Kos
Firefighting forces are fully mobilised to contain a wildfire that broke out on Thursday afternoon, July 30, 2026, in the Voutsani area of Vathy, Kalymnos.
The blaze started at approximately 3:20 p.m. in low vegetation and spread rapidly as strong winds of up to 6 Beaufort swept across the area. Shortly before 5:00 p.m., an emergency alert was issued through Greece’s 112 system, urging residents in the wider area to remain on standby and follow the authorities’ instructions.
According to the latest available information, 15 firefighters are battling the blaze, supported by members of the 11th Special Unit for Forest Operations (EMODE), who arrived from Rhodes. Two firefighting helicopters are operating from the air, while local authority water tankers are also assisting the operation.
A further four firefighters and two fire engines are scheduled to travel by ferry from Kos to reinforce the teams already working on the island.
Kalymnos Mayor Ioannis Mastrokoukos said that the fire had started in the Voutsani area and that the front was extensive. Dodecanese Deputy Regional Governor Christos Efstratiou also confirmed that the authorities had launched a full-scale response.
Kalymnos is currently under a Category 3 fire-risk warning, indicating a high level of danger, while winds reaching 6 Beaufort are making containment efforts particularly difficult.
The Rhodes Arson Crimes Investigation Unit has been activated to determine the cause of the fire. Residents are urged to rely exclusively on official information and immediately comply with any further instructions issued by the authorities.
