Nearly 200 firefighters are currently working to control a significant wildfire on the Greek island of Chios. The fire broke out on Sunday in three separate areas close to the main town, which shares the same name. Strong winds quickly spread the flames, merging them into one large blaze.
Firefighters have been seen battling towering flames that are consuming both woodland and farmland as night falls. Reports indicate that power outages have also affected the region. On Monday morning, local authorities issued new evacuation alerts for two areas near Chios town.
Push notifications were sent to residents’ mobile phones urging them to evacuate 16 villages and neighborhoods on the outskirts of the town. A government spokesman described the situation as critical, noting that firefighting teams are facing multiple active fronts, some dangerously close to small communities.
As of Monday, 190 firefighters are on the ground, but their efforts are being hindered by strong winds. In addition to the firefighters, the operation includes 35 vehicles, five helicopters, and two water-dropping planes. A specialized team from the fire department is also on-site to investigate the cause of the fire.
Wildfires are common in Greece during the hot, dry summer months, but officials warn that climate change is leading to larger and more frequent incidents. Last year, wildfires forced hundreds of tourists and residents to flee from the island of Kos. In 2023 alone, fires resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people in northern Greece and prompted the evacuation of 19,000 individuals from the island of Rhodes. The ongoing situation in Chios highlights the persistent threat of wildfires in the region.