A state of emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Chios due to major wildfires that have been raging for three days. The situation escalated quickly, prompting local authorities to take drastic measures to protect residents and the environment.
By Tuesday morning, over 444 firefighters, 85 fire engines, 11 helicopters, and two water-dropping planes were deployed to combat the flames, according to the island’s fire department. Reinforcements arrived from Athens, Thessaloniki, and the nearby island of Lesbos, with additional police and military personnel sent to assist in the efforts.
The fires began on Sunday in three separate locations near Chios town. They quickly merged into a single, larger blaze, threatening both forest and agricultural land. Evacuation notices were issued for two areas on Monday, and push alerts were sent to mobile phones, urging residents to leave 16 villages and settlements on the outskirts of the town.
Authorities are also investigating the possibility of arson, as the climate crisis has made wildfires more frequent and severe in Greece. Climate crisis and civil protection minister Giannis Kefalogiannis mentioned that the simultaneous fires in different parts of the island raise suspicions of a coordinated attack. He emphasized that anyone responsible for such acts would face serious legal consequences.
The wildfires are a stark reminder of the challenges Greece faces during its hot, dry summers. Last year, similar fires forced hundreds of tourists and residents to flee from the island of Kos, and in 2023, wildfires in the north claimed at least 20 lives and displaced thousands on Rhodes.
As firefighters continue their battle against the flames, the community remains on high alert, hoping for a swift resolution to this ongoing crisis.