As a result of the fire, traffic authorities have closed parts of the Athens–Sounio Avenue

As the situation escalated, authorities issued an emergency alert via the 112 emergency number shortly before 11:30 a.m., advising residents of the municipality of Phaistos to evacuate.

According to satellite data from the EU's Copernicus Emergency Management Service, the wildfire has scorched a total of 47,765 stremmata (approximately 11,800 acres)

Authorities are urging both residents and visitors in these regions to exercise extreme caution and avoid any actions that could trigger a fire

This current stretch of hot weather is expected to last at least four more days, peaking Friday, before a slight cooldown and wind increase arrives on Sunday

Authorities have warned that changing weather conditions and the wildfire's unpredictable behavior earlier in the week demand continued vigilance

As aerial and ground crews work tirelessly to maintain control, residents and responders alike are finally breathing a cautious sigh of relief

Chios remains under a state of emergency, which is currently set to last until July 22. With strong winds expected to persist for several more days, firefighting efforts are likely to continue under extremely difficult conditions

The current wildfire is the latest in a series of devastating blazes that have struck Chios in recent years, with significant fires also recorded in 2012 and 2016

The New York Times published an extensive report on the devastating fires on the island of Chios titled “Villages Evacuated on Greek Tourist Island as Wildfires Rage”

Despite reinforcements arriving from mainland cities such as Thessaloniki and Athens, the blaze remains largely out of control

Meanwhile, another fire that erupted earlier the same day, around 5:00 a.m., in Kato Asites, Heraklion municipality, in Crete, has now been brought under control.

Authorities have sent continuous evacuation alerts via the 112 emergency system to safeguard residents in affected zones

Residents battled flames overnight, meanwhile aerial firefighting begins on Chios

Officials continue to urge residents in affected zones to comply with evacuation orders and remain alert for further updates.

Authorities have placed eight regions on heightened alert for June 19, as the potential for wildfires is rated at level 3.

Greece annually faces the specter of catastrophic summer wildfires every season, especially in the southern half of the country and several major islands

Authorities issued a warning via the 112 system, urging those in the vicinity of the fire in Evia to remain alert

Meanwhile, shortly after 2:00 p.m., authorities sent an emergency alert via 112 to residents in the area, urging them to remain on standby and be prepared

According to Greece’s Fire Service, 44 agricultural and forest fires broke out in just the past 24 hours. Firefighters managed to contain 39 of them quickly, while five fires were still being battled late Sunday afternoon