ATHENS, Greece (AP) — On Monday morning, Greek authorities issued new evacuation notifications affecting two areas near Chios town, located on the eastern Aegean island. This comes as firefighters face challenges in controlling a significant wildfire that has been raging on the outskirts of the town for a second consecutive day.
The Greek fire department has mobilized 190 firefighters who are actively engaged in combatting the blaze. Their efforts are supported by 35 vehicles, five helicopters, and two planes dedicated to water-dropping missions. Unfortunately, strong winds in the area, which have persisted since Sunday, are complicating firefighting operations and spreading the fire further.
Since the fire ignited on Sunday, push notifications have been sent to mobile phones of residents in the region, urging them to evacuate. A total of 16 villages, settlements, and neighborhoods on the periphery of Chios town have been affected by these emergency alerts. The fire reportedly began in three separate locations, prompting authorities to dispatch a specialized fire department arson investigation team to the island to determine the origins of the blaze.
Wildfires have become a common occurrence in Greece during the hot, dry summer months. However, officials have noted that climate change is exacerbating the situation by fueling more frequent and intense fires. This has raised concerns regarding the future of fire management in a country that often contends with such natural disasters.
In a tragic reminder of the human cost of wildfires, a devastating incident occurred in 2018 when a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, situated east of Athens. Many were trapped in their homes and on the roads while attempting to escape, resulting in over 100 fatalities, including those who drowned while trying to flee the flames by swimming.
The current blaze on Chios reflects the ongoing battle that Greece encounters with wildfires each year. As climate patterns shift and dry conditions persist, the nation is compelled to strengthen its firefighting capabilities and revisit strategies for public safety and community preparedness. The local government, together with national authorities, continues to monitor the wildfire closely to protect lives and minimize property damage.
The events unfolding in Chios, with the deployment of aerial assets and ground personnel, indicate a robust response to a critical situation. The focus remains on the safety of residents, as well as ensuring that firefighters have the necessary resources to control and extinguish the fire effectively.
