In response to a series of wildfires that have prompted the evacuation of numerous communities, more than 400 firefighters are tackling five blazes on Chios Island, Greece. The fires, which authorities suspect may be linked to arson, have been fueled by extreme weather conditions and are under investigation as local officials heighten police patrols.
Arson Suspicions Rise as Wildfires Decimate Greek Island of Chios
Arson Suspicions Rise as Wildfires Decimate Greek Island of Chios
Over 400 firefighters are engaged in combating multiple wildfires ravaging Chios amid concerns of possible coordinated arson attacks.
Firefighters on the Greek island of Chios are in a fierce battle against several wildfires that have led to the evacuation of over a dozen local communities. The Hellenic Fire Service reported three fires ignited on Sunday, quickly followed by two additional outbreaks, totaling five active fires as of Monday evening.
With conditions worsening, the region has seen a substantial mobilization of resources, comprising more than 400 firefighters, supported by 13 helicopters and four firefighting planes. Chios, an island renowned for its unique mastic tree resin, experiences a significant influx of tourists in summer, coinciding with peak wildfire season.
"The situation on the island has been challenging, as we are constantly facing new fronts and reignitions in unfavorable climatic conditions," stated Giannis Kefalogiannis, Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
Authorities have reported that the fires are occurring in distinct areas across the island, raising concerns of potential arson. Enhanced police and military patrols have been dispatched, with Mr. Kefalogiannis emphasizing the alarming nature of simultaneous fires in separated locations—deeming them as potential criminal attacks against society and nature.
Greece's summer months typically coincide with a rise in wildfire occurrences, exacerbated by climate change. Officials explained that a rise in both the frequency and intensity of fires has been noted in recent years. For this fire season, Greece has allocated resources to bolster firefighting capacities, including thermal imaging drones and over 2 billion euros in funding for fire detection advancements.
The combination of extreme temperatures and strong winds has converted much of Chios into a dry landscape, resulting in rapid fire spread and making containment efforts increasingly difficult. Additional firefighting personnel have been transported to the island by air and sea to fortify existing teams. In a proactive move, the Directorate to Investigate Arson Crimes has entered the scene to probe the origins of these destructive fires, which initially ignited within an hour of each other.
