In brief
The island, known for its unique mastic trees, faces an escalating crisis as local officials declare an emergency amid the growing wildfires which have prompted the evacuation of several communities.
Firefighters are facing an intense struggle against five wildfires raging across Chios, an island in the Aegean Sea, prompting local authorities to announce a state of emergency. The blazes commenced on Sunday, with fires reported in Kofina, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios Vrontadon, among other areas. By Monday evening, more than 400 firefighters, complemented by 13 helicopters and four firefighting planes, were on-site battling the fires.Chios, less frequented by tourists than other Greek islands, is currently experiencing a brief influx of visitors during the summer, coinciding with the peak period of wildfires. Greek Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, described the situation as "quite difficult," citing new fire fronts and poor weather conditions, amplifying firefighting challenges.The firefighters grapple with simultaneous outbreaks in various locations, raising suspicions about potential arson. According to Kefalogiannis, the occurrence of multiple fires in scattered regions indicates a possible coordinated attack. He emphasized the seriousness of the situation, describing it as a criminal assault on society, the environment, and lives.Wildfires have been a persistent issue in Greece, exacerbated in intensity and frequency in recent years, likely due to climate change. The government had ramped up preparations for wildfire season following a record number of interventions in previous years, investing over 2 billion euros in advanced fire prevention technologies and increased fire patrols.The dry and windy conditions over the weekend turned Chios into a flammable landscape, leading to rapid fire spread that proved challenging to contain. As fire crews continue to augment their ranks via air and amphibious transport, officials from the Directorate to Investigate Arson Crimes have been dispatched to ascertain the fire's origins. The initial outbreaks occurred within just an hour of one another, with further fires igniting early the following day, raising further alarms.
