Evacuations Continue as Major Wildfire Rages on Greek Island of Chios

Greek authorities issued new evacuation notices Monday morning for two areas near the main town of Chios, as a large wildfire continues to threaten the outskirts for a second day. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze amid challenging conditions.

The fire department reports that around 190 firefighters are currently battling the fire, supported by 35 vehicles, five helicopters, and two water-dropping planes. Strong winds since Sunday have hampered efforts to control the flames, making the situation more difficult.

Since the fire broke out on Sunday, emergency push notifications have been sent to residents’ mobile phones, urging the evacuation of 16 villages, settlements, and neighborhoods on the outskirts of Chios town. The fire started in three separate locations, prompting an investigation by a specialized arson team to determine the cause.

Wildfires are a common occurrence in Greece during its hot, dry summers, but officials say climate change is contributing to the increasing size and frequency of these blazes. The devastating 2018 wildfire in Mati, east of Athens, which claimed over 100 lives, remains a stark reminder of the dangers posed by such natural disasters, especially as conditions grow more severe.