Evacuations Ordered on Chios Island as Multiple Wildfires Erupt

Firefighting efforts intensify as Greece faces a growing wildfire crisis, with Chios at the center of alarming developments.

 

Firefighters are grappling with a series of wildfires raging on the Greek island of Chios, forcing the evacuation of numerous communities as local officials declared a state of emergency over the weekend. Early reports indicate that three separate wildfires erupted in quick succession in Kofina, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios Vrontadon, prompting the deployment of over 190 firefighters. An additional contingent of 170 firefighters is anticipated to join the efforts on Monday, bolstered by 13 helicopters and four aerial firefighting planes.

Chios, one of the Aegean Sea's larger islands, is a summer hotspot for tourists, drawing crowds during the peak wildfire season. Giannis Kefalogiannis, Greece's Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, stated, "The current situation has been challenging with ongoing new fire lines and fluctuations, compounded by adverse weather conditions."

Wildfires are a long-standing issue in Greece, exacerbated by a hot and arid climate. In recent years, authorities have reported a concerning increase in both the frequency and severity of these fires, a trend many experts link to climate change. The country has taken proactive measures this year, significantly boosting its firefighting resources in anticipation of worsening fire conditions.

Extreme heat and strong winds heightened the risks over the weekend, transforming parts of Chios into a highly flammable environment. To support frontline personnel, additional firefighters have been airlifted or brought in by boat. Meanwhile, officials from the Directorate to Investigate Arson Crimes have arrived on the island to probe the origins of the wildfires, which started with only an hour’s gap between them. As the situation develops, residents and authorities remain on high alert in the face of an increasingly precarious fire season.