Firefighters on the Greek island of Chios are facing a relentless battle against a significant wildfire that has persisted for over two days. As of Monday, the situation prompted authorities to issue additional evacuation orders to safeguard residents and their properties.
Firefighting efforts and evacuation measures
According to the fire department, approximately 190 firefighters are engaged in combating the blaze, supported by 35 fire trucks, five helicopters, and two planes dedicated to water-dropping efforts. The intensity of the strong winds, which began on Sunday, has complicated their firefighting efforts significantly.
The primary aim of the firefighting teams is to prevent the flames from reaching populated areas and regions crucial for the production of mastiha, a natural resin sourced from mastic trees. To ensure the safety of residents, push notifications have been dispatched to mobile devices in the vicinity, advising the evacuation of 16 villages, neighborhoods, and settlements surrounding Chios town since the fire ignited around noon on Sunday.
Investigations and government response
Reports indicate that three distinct fires erupted on Sunday morning and afternoon near Chios town. In response to the severity of the situation, authorities have deployed an arson investigation team specifically trained to identify the fire’s causes.
The blaze’s magnitude was alarming enough that the Greek government mobilized additional firefighting resources and equipment from various regions of Greece via air and sea. Local media also reported instances of power outages, which have disrupted daily life for the island’s residents, alongside significant challenges in water supply and firefighting operations.
Wildfires are a recurrent issue in Greece during the scorching summers; however, officials have noted that climate change exacerbates the frequency and severity of these events. The country experienced a devastating fire in 2018 in the town of Mati, east of Athens, where over 100 individuals lost their lives, some while attempting to escape by water.
In a proactive measure, the Greek government announced last month its commitment to deploying an unprecedented number of firefighters and nearly doubling its drone fleet this summer to combat escalating wildfire risks. The civil protection ministry indicated that around 18,000 permanent and seasonal personnel, augmented by thousands of volunteers, would be mobilized to respond effectively to such emergencies.