In a significant escalation of ongoing wildfires on Chios island, Greece, authorities declared an emergency and evacuated multiple communities as over 190 firefighters fought to control the blazes, suspected to be linked to arson.
Wildfires Erupt on Chios Island, Emergency Declared as Communities Evacuated
Wildfires Erupt on Chios Island, Emergency Declared as Communities Evacuated
Emergency services in Greece are on high alert as wildfires threaten the popular tourist island of Chios, leading to evacuations and increased firefighting efforts to protect residents and visitors.
Firefighters have battled intense wildfires on the picturesque island of Chios, Greece, where local authorities declared a state of emergency over the weekend. As fires erupted in the areas of Kofina, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios Vrontadon, emergency services deployed 190 firefighters and anticipated bringing in an additional 170 personnel shortly after. The operation is supported by 13 helicopters and four firefighting planes.
Chios, a favored summer destination for tourists, has faced challenging conditions that hampered fire containment efforts. Giannis Kefalogiannis, Greece's Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, stated, "The situation on the island since yesterday has been quite difficult because we constantly have new fronts and resurgences, and the climatic conditions are not favorable."
Fire incidents have increased in frequency and severity over recent years in Greece, a trend attributed to climate change. The harsh summer climate has turned Chios into a highly flammable landscape, exacerbated by extreme heat and strong winds. In April, officials noted that a record number of firefighters were assigned this season in anticipation of heightened fire risks, reflecting a proactive approach after previous summers of devastating wildfires.
To assist in managing the crisis, firefighters are being transported to the island via boats and flights, reinforcing the already deployed teams. Moreover, investigators from the Directorate to Investigate Arson Crimes are headed to Chios to assess the possible causes of the wildfires, which ignited in close succession, raising suspicions of deliberate actions.
As the firefighting efforts continue, the community remains on high alert for additional flare-ups as authorities work to manage the dangerous situation.
