Firefighters Battle Relentless Wildfires on Chios During Tourist Peak
For the third consecutive day, hundreds of firefighters remain engaged in a fierce battle against wildfires engulfing the Greek island of Chios, a popular destination in the northeastern Aegean Sea. The flames have already devastated vast expanses of forest and farmland, prompting the evacuation of hundreds of residents and the declaration of a state of emergency.
Massive Effort to Contain the Blaze
A formidable force of over 400 firefighters, supported by 14 helicopters and four aircraft, is strategically deployed across multiple fire fronts on the island. Their mission: to curb the rapid spread of the fires before they can inflict further damage, particularly to the renowned mastiha-producing areas. Mastiha, a prized natural resin extracted from mastic trees, represents both cultural heritage and economic livelihood for the local communities.
Communities on Edge as Fire Approaches Villages
Locals, volunteers, and emergency teams have been working tirelessly to shield villages such as Agios Giorgios Sikousis from the advancing flames. Villager Stamatis Zeonidis described the harrowing moments when the fire edged dangerously close to homes, yet applauded the collective efforts that kept it at bay. Meanwhile, aerial firefighting units relentlessly dropped water on the parched landscape, their efforts visible against a backdrop of thick grey smoke blanketing the area.
Volunteer firefighter Antonis Mikoudis expressed the crisis’s severity, stating, "The situation is very difficult, with multiple open fronts threatening numerous villages. We've left our jobs to contribute, but we remain hopeful about stemming the fire's advance." Another volunteer, Ioannis Psilos, shared, "The scenes were terrifying, but thankfully, it looks like the fire won't spread further south on the island."
Authorities Issue New Evacuation Warnings
In light of worsening conditions, officials urged residents from villages southwest of Chios town, the island’s capital, to evacuate immediately. A fire brigade spokesman noted that despite the substantial firefighting resources, the strong northerly winds continue to hinder containment efforts, making the emergency situation highly challenging.
Increasing Wildfire Threats Tie to Climate Change
Greece, located at Europe's southernmost edge, regularly confronts wildfires due to its hot, arid summers. However, experts link the rising frequency and intensity of recent fires to rapid climate shifts. In response, the Greek government has allocated hundreds of millions of euros to support affected communities and upgrade firefighting infrastructure.
To bolster readiness, authorities have recruited a record 18,000 firefighters this year, anticipating a demanding fire season ahead.
The ongoing situation underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and coordinated response efforts to protect both lives and the unique natural assets of Chios island.
