A massive wildfire has been raging for a second consecutive day on the Greek island of Chios, prompting new evacuation orders and emergency alerts as thick smoke and high winds complicate efforts to contain the blaze.
According to the Greek Fire Department, 190 firefighters are currently battling the fire, supported by 35 vehicles, 5 helicopters, and 2 aircraft conducting water drops. The operation has been hindered by strong winds blowing since Sunday, which have fanned the flames and accelerated the fire’s spread.
Authorities have issued emergency alerts via mobile phones, ordering residents to evacuate 16 villages and settlements near the town of Chios. The main priority is to protect inhabited areas and mastic-producing regions, vital to the island’s economy.
The fire department has also confirmed three separate fire fronts, all ignited between Sunday morning and noon near Chios town. A special arson investigation team has been dispatched to determine the cause of the fires.
Local media report widespread power outages and water supply disruptions, further complicating firefighting efforts and affecting daily life.
Forest fires are common in Greece during the hot and dry summer months, but officials warn that climate change is making these events larger, more frequent, and harder to control.
The deadliest wildfire in recent history occurred in 2018 in the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, where over 100 people lost their lives, some drowning while trying to escape the flames.
In response to the growing threats, the Greek government has pledged to deploy a record number of firefighters this summer and double its drone fleet for monitoring and intervention. Around 18,000 permanent and seasonal personnel, along with thousands of volunteers, are expected to be mobilized.
