Firefighters on the Greek island of Chios entered their third day battling multiple, widespread wildfires that have ravaged agricultural areas and low vegetation since Sunday, June 22nd. The situation remains critical, particularly with one active front threatening the vital Mastichochoria villages in the southern part of the island.
The initial outbreaks began on Sunday morning in three distinct locations: Kofina, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios Vrontadon. A fourth fire erupted shortly after midnight in Agios Markos, followed by a fifth on Monday morning in Agiasmata.
While there was optimism on Monday evening that the Agiasmata front was brought under control, the fire originating from Agios Georgios Sikousis remains highly active and has spread over many kilometers, posing a significant threat to the mastic-producing villages of Vessa and Lithi.
The proximity of the fires to residential areas has necessitated frequent use of the 112 emergency service for preventive evacuations. Over 25 settlements have received evacuation orders, but so far, there are no confirmed reports of damaged houses, though authorities are not ruling out unrecorded incidents.
Massive firefighting mobilization for the Chios wildfires
A substantial force of 444 firefighters, including 21 forest commando teams, 85 vehicles, and 30 volunteer hiking units with 4 volunteer vehicles, are actively engaged in the firefighting efforts.
Reinforcements, including 92 firefighters from Athens and Thessaloniki, arrived by air on Monday afternoon. Aerial support is crucial, with 4 aircraft and 13 helicopters (one for coordination) operating periodically.
Ground forces are primarily focused on the stretch towards Dafnon, west of Chios town, while simultaneously addressing outbreaks across the entire fire perimeter to prevent resurgence. Fire Department officials express cautious optimism that the strong ground forces, combined with reduced winds and early morning airdrops, will yield positive results.
Suspicions of arson and state of emergency
The alarming scale and simultaneous nature of the five distinct fire outbreaks have raised serious concerns about organized criminal activity and arson.
Yiannis Kefalogiannis, Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, traveled to Chios on Monday afternoon, accompanied by the Secretary General of Civil Protection, Nikos Papaefstathiou. Following a meeting of the Civil Protection Coordination Body, the island was declared in a state of emergency until July 22nd to aid in recovery efforts.
Minister Kefalogiannis stated that the State is seriously examining the possibility of arson, highlighting the simultaneous and scattered nature of the outbreaks as suspicious. He announced a reinforcement of both fire brigade and police forces, along with a doubling of military patrols.
He issued a stern warning: “Anyone who thinks they can play with the lives of citizens and cause chaos with pre-planned actions, will be brought before the Court.” A team from the Arson Crimes Prevention Directorate (DAEE) has been on the island since Sunday, collaborating with State Security forces to investigate the causes of the fires.
The fires have primarily affected agricultural areas and low vegetation. However, the threat to the Mastichochoria villages, home to the island’s unique mastic trees, has revived painful memories of the devastating 2012 fire that caused extensive destruction to the mastic production.
Giorgos Toumpos, president of the Chios Mastic Producers Association, emphasized the widespread mobilization of residents and state resources, noting the critical need to stop the fire.
According to the president of the mastic producers, the fires initially broke out amidst “very strong winds 7-8 Beaufort,” coupled with challenging terrain.
Related: Mastiha of Chios, Greece’s ‘White Gold’