A massive wildfire that erupted early Sunday afternoon on the island of Chios continues to burn out of control, with flames threatening residential zones and firefighting crews battling the blaze on three active fronts.
The fire, which broke out below the Panagia Voitheia Monastery, has intensified due to powerful winds, hampering firefighting efforts and forcing the evacuation of multiple communities. According to the Hellenic Fire Department, three separate flashpoints were reported within an hour—in Kofinas, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios in Vrontados. A fourth front ignited just hours later, raising concerns of coordinated arson.
(ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)
(ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)
More than 100 firefighters are currently deployed on the ground, supported by 23 firefighting vehicles. A group of 35 firefighters was also urgently airlifted from Elefsina aboard a Hellenic Air Force aircraft.Twenty firefighters with 10 vehicles are arriving by ferry from Piraeus, while another 35 are flying in from Thessaloniki. An additional 35 personnel and 5 vehicles, including the mobile command center “OLYMPOS,” are also expected to reach the island from Piraeus.
(ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)
Aerial support includes two firefighting planes and 11 helicopters operating in rotation, one of which is tasked with coordinating the airborne response. Ground efforts are further supported by water tankers and heavy machinery from the Hellenic Army and local municipal services.
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Authorities have launched an investigation, and a specialized arson task force is en route to the island. The team will work alongside the Greek police’s state security division to determine the origin of the fires.
Emergency Evacuations via Greece’s 112 Alert System
Greece’s emergency 112 alert system has issued multiple evacuation orders throughout the day. Most recently, residents in Karyes were instructed to evacuate toward the main town of Chios.
(ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)
Around 4:00 p.m. local time, additional alerts were sent out for Varvasi, Evreti, and Vavyli, urging residents to head toward Karfas Beach. Earlier, villages including Dafnonas, Ververato, Chalkeio, Vasileoniko, Grous, and Zifias had already been ordered to evacuate toward Chios town.
Other affected areas include Agios Makarios in Vrontados, Agios Panteleimonas, Kastrominas, Paryfes, Gialourika, and Panagia Voitheia, with alerts for these locations issued just before 3:30 p.m.
Situation Remains Critical
As night approaches, the wildfire remains dangerously active, with emergency services working around the clock to contain the flames and ensure the safety of residents. The extent of the damage is still being assessed, but the rapid spread and multiple ignition points have raised alarm among authorities.
Officials continue to urge residents in affected zones to comply with evacuation orders and remain alert for further updates.
