A delegation of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) toured the areas affected by the major fire in the municipalities of Oreokastro and Pavlos Melas, expressing its solidarity with the residents and conveying a message of militant demand for the protection of life, people's property and the natural environment.
KKE demands immediate protection measures in fire-stricken areas
Residents expressed anger over what they described as the government's inadequate response, noting that the fires burned out of control for hours. KKE conveyed its condolences to the families of the victims and called for full compensation for all damages, immediate support for those affected, and comprehensive fire protection measures.
According to 902.gr, the latest fire occurred only days after another deadly blaze in the same area that claimed the lives of a man and his child. A woman who suffered a heart attack after seeing the flames approach her home, died. According to KKE, these tragedies highlight the urgent need for improved fire prevention and emergency response.
KKE members and local party organizations assisted residents from the outset of the fire, helping with firefighting efforts alongside local communities. Residents were forced to rely on their own resources to defend their homes due to delayed deployment of firefighting aircraft and ground crews.
The fires caused extensive damage to homes, farmland, businesses and industrial facilities, while large areas of forest were destroyed. Particular concern was raised over the fire at a recycling plant in Oreokastro, where burning plastics and other materials generated a toxic cloud that affected Thessaloniki and surrounding areas for several days. Residents were advised to remain indoors, while many experienced irritation to their eyes and respiratory systems. The safe removal of hazardous burned materials was identified as a major challenge.
KKE representatives argued that the disasters were the result of long-standing shortcomings in fire prevention policy rather than isolated incidents. They maintained that repeated warnings about the lack of preventive measures, especially in areas where forests, residential neighbourhoods and industrial facilities coexist, had been ignored because of budgetary constraints. They further criticized government spending priorities, claiming that essential civil protection had been neglected while other expenditures continued.
Concerns were raised about inadequate staffing and resources in local Civil Protection services. KKE officials called for increased public funding, additional personnel and equipment, and the implementation of a comprehensive fire prevention strategy focused on protecting both people and the environment. They pledged to continue supporting affected residents while demanding immediate relief measures, full compensation for losses, and stronger measures to prevent future wildfires.
KKE's Central Macedonia Regional Organization will hold a press conference in Thessaloniki on 10 July to present the party's proposals for comprehensive fire protection and discuss the measures it believes are necessary following the recent fires in the region.