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Forest fires rage on Greek island of Chios

6/23/25

A state of emergency has been declared on the Greek island of Chios due to the continuing spread of forest fires. Several hundred firefighters are battling the blazes for the second day. Strong winds are blowing across the island, fanning the flames. The fire has already forced many residents to evacuate and is causing numerous power outages.

Photo:Depositphotos

The situation on the island of Chios has been complicated since yesterday. Firefighters are still discovering new outbreaks of fire and are unable to control the flames. Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Yiannis Kefalogiannis announced upon his arrival on the island that the climatic conditions are extremely unfavorable.

The minister also confirmed that 190 firefighters on the island will be joined by another 170. In total, more than twenty firefighting teams will be fighting the flames. Their task is to limit the spread to populated areas and then extinguish the forest fires on the Aegean island of Chios. The island is known for its production of natural resin harvested from mastic trees.

As for heavy equipment, 38 fire trucks have been deployed on the island, with another 30 soon to join the effort. In addition, 13 helicopters and four firefighting planes are involved. It is estimated that the newly reinforced firefighting teams could tame the flames by the end of the working week.

Strong gusty winds are complicating efforts to extinguish forest fires that are destroying forests and pastures and spreading north, west and south of Chios town. Hundreds of residents of the island have fled their homes in fear of the blaze.

The cause of the forest fires that have broken out in various parts of the island remains a question. Minister Kefalogiannis said that the authorities, with the help of fire inspectors, will investigate the causes as soon as possible.

Greece, located on the southernmost tip of Europe, has been experiencing an increase in forest fires in recent years. The damage caused by the fires has both economic and environmental impacts, and their intensity is certainly increasing due to a rapidly changing climate.

Source:Reuters