Chios island remains in a state of emergency as wildfires burn on multiple fronts, fueled by strong winds and high temperatures. Emergency services are engaged in a difficult battle to contain the flames, which have already destroyed homes and prompted repeated evacuation alerts.
Multiple Fire Fronts and New Outbreaks
Fires are currently raging in at least three main areas: Kofinas, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios near Vrontados. According to updated information, a new fire has also broken out in northern Chios, in the area of Leptopoda near Agiasmata, adding to the challenge for firefighting crews. Residents in the area were issued a new emergency alert via the 112 emergency system shortly before 12:30 p.m., urging them to remain on high alert.
Local reports confirm that at least four to five homes have been destroyed in the villages of Pafylida and Dafnonas. Fire crews were able to save the historic Monastery of Agios Markos, which had come under threat.
Evacuations and Government Response
Authorities have sent continuous evacuation alerts via the 112 emergency system to safeguard residents in affected zones. Greece’s Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, has arrived on the island to oversee operations. He is coordinating efforts from the mobile command center “Olympos,” set up in the Agios Artemios area.
Speaking on Greek radio, MP Notis Mitarachi confirmed the spread of the fire and the dire need for resources, particularly in the north of the island, where terrain and wind conditions are making firefighting efforts exceptionally difficult.
Reinforcements and Aerial Support
To support the local fire brigade, reinforcements from Athens and Thessaloniki have been deployed, including 20 firefighters and 20 specialized forest commandos. Aerial firefighting capabilities have also been intensified, with 11 aircraft actively battling the flames. Among them are four Canadair water bombers, which temporarily left the scene to refuel but are now back in action.
Despite these efforts, strong winds continue to hamper firefighting operations, causing flare-ups and the rapid spread of flames across rugged and forested terrain.
