A fast-moving wildfire broke out near the outskirts of Greece's second-largest city, Thessaloniki, on Saturday evening, forcing the evacuation of several communities and a care facility for people with special needs, authorities said.

The blaze erupted around 8:30 pm in a mountainous ravine north of the city before rapidly spreading across nearby plains, fueled by strong winds, according to the Hellenic Fire Service.

Residents of the settlements of Anthoupoli, Filothei and Galini were ordered to evacuate via emergency text alerts as thick smoke blanketed several western suburbs of Thessaloniki. Although homes were largely spared, a number of businesses sustained damage.

Authorities also evacuated a facility housing 157 people with special needs. Around 120 residents who were able to walk were moved to a local gymnasium, while the remaining residents were transferred to a psychiatric hospital.

Police arrested a 76-year-old man overnight on suspicion of starting the fire. The fire service said the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

More than 115 firefighters, supported by 38 fire engines and volunteers, were deployed to contain the blaze. Firefighting aircraft joined the operation briefly before being grounded after nightfall.

Officials said there was no immediate threat of the fire reaching Thessaloniki, but firefighters remained on high alert as strong winds continued to hamper containment efforts. Additional firefighting personnel were expected to reinforce operations.

Several other wildfires were also reported on Saturday, including in the popular tourist destination of the Halkidiki Peninsula and near the northern city of Kilkis.

The latest wildfire comes days after a major blaze in central Greece killed a man and his 12-year-old son and forced evacuations. While much of Europe has been affected by extreme heat in recent weeks, Greece has so far avoided the worst of the heatwave.