Major Wildfire Rages on Greek Island of Chios; Dozens of Firefighters Deployed
Authorities issue evacuation orders as wildfire continues to spread on the eastern Aegean island.
Chios — Scores of firefighters are engaged in a significant battle against a large wildfire that has been raging on the Greek island of Chios for its second day.
As of Monday, the fire department reported that 190 firefighters, supported by 35 vehicles, five helicopters, and two water-dropping planes, were combating the blaze.
The efforts have been challenging due to strong winds that have persisted since Sunday.
The primary goal for the firefighting teams is to prevent the flames from reaching residential areas as well as regions critical for mastiha production, a resin extracted from mastic trees.
In response to the increasing threat, authorities have sent mobile phone push alerts to residents in 16 villages, settlements, and neighborhoods around Chios town urging them to evacuate since the fire began on Sunday at noon.
The situation escalated further with three separate blazes erupting near the town of Chios on Sunday morning and midday.
In response, a specialized arson investigation team from the Greek government has been dispatched to explore the causes of the fires.
Due to the severity of the wildfire, reinforcements including firefighters and equipment have been airlifted and sailed in from other parts of Greece.
The blaze has caused disruptions, resulting in power outages, which have affected daily life for residents, along with issues regarding water supply and firefighting operations.
The Greek government is acutely aware of the rising concern over wildfires, citing climate change as a significant factor contributing to larger and more frequent incidents.
In 2018, Greece faced one of its most devastating wildfire events when a massive blaze hit the seaside town of Mati near Athens, leading to over 100 fatalities.
This led to the government's decision to significantly increase the number of firefighters and nearly double the drone fleet this summer in an effort to mitigate wildfire risks.
According to the Greek civil protection ministry, approximately 18,000 permanent and seasonal personnel, backed by thousands of volunteers, will be mobilized for these efforts.
As of Monday, the fire department reported that 190 firefighters, supported by 35 vehicles, five helicopters, and two water-dropping planes, were combating the blaze.
The efforts have been challenging due to strong winds that have persisted since Sunday.
The primary goal for the firefighting teams is to prevent the flames from reaching residential areas as well as regions critical for mastiha production, a resin extracted from mastic trees.
In response to the increasing threat, authorities have sent mobile phone push alerts to residents in 16 villages, settlements, and neighborhoods around Chios town urging them to evacuate since the fire began on Sunday at noon.
The situation escalated further with three separate blazes erupting near the town of Chios on Sunday morning and midday.
In response, a specialized arson investigation team from the Greek government has been dispatched to explore the causes of the fires.
Due to the severity of the wildfire, reinforcements including firefighters and equipment have been airlifted and sailed in from other parts of Greece.
The blaze has caused disruptions, resulting in power outages, which have affected daily life for residents, along with issues regarding water supply and firefighting operations.
The Greek government is acutely aware of the rising concern over wildfires, citing climate change as a significant factor contributing to larger and more frequent incidents.
In 2018, Greece faced one of its most devastating wildfire events when a massive blaze hit the seaside town of Mati near Athens, leading to over 100 fatalities.
This led to the government's decision to significantly increase the number of firefighters and nearly double the drone fleet this summer in an effort to mitigate wildfire risks.
According to the Greek civil protection ministry, approximately 18,000 permanent and seasonal personnel, backed by thousands of volunteers, will be mobilized for these efforts.
