Fire engulfs Greek island of Chios: residents flee, villages in danger
A large wildfire is spreading across the island of Chios — hundreds of people are being evacuated, villages are cut off, fire services are overwhelmed, and forests and fields are burning.
Photo: EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid, CC BY-ND 2.0
A major wildfire has broken out on the Greek island of Chios — it began on the evening of June 22 in three different locations near the island's main town, according to a report from Emergency Service 112 of the Ministry for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Due to strong winds, the fire fronts quickly merged into a massive blaze. Overnight, the fire spread inland, reaching the villages of Vessa, Lithi, Elata, and Armolia, where hundreds of residents live.
Authorities activated the 112 emergency alert system — residents received messages ordering immediate evacuation.
People are being directed to the sports hall in Livadia, which has been turned into a temporary shelter.
On Monday, June 23, Greece's Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Yiannis Kefalogiannis, arrived on the fire-stricken island of Chios. He stated that the situation has deteriorated significantly.
Fire fronts are emerging in different areas, and weather conditions are hampering firefighting efforts. Currently, 190 firefighters, 11 forest units, and 38 vehicles are operating on the island, with 170 more specialists and 30 units of equipment expected to arrive.
Seventeen helicopters, including "Canadairs", are being used in the air. The minister did not rule out arson, as fire spots are igniting in different places without an apparent cause.
A state of emergency has been officially declared on the island.
The flames are destroying not only forests but also farmland. Mastic plantations — a trademark of Chios — are particularly affected.
Entire areas have lost power, even those not directly in the fire zone.
It is still unknown how many homes have been destroyed, but authorities warn that the situation could worsen if the wind intensifies.