Chios: Devastating Wildfires Burn Extensive Areas, Severe Impact

Chios continues to assess the damage following the devastating wildfires of summer 2025. Satellite data reveals that over 122,000 acres have been reduced to ashes, causing severe impacts on the environment and the local economy.

The two fires, which broke out in June and August, ravaged forests, shrubland, and agricultural areas. According to the Operational Unit BEYOND of IAA/NOA, the total burned area is estimated at 122,690 acres.

Notably, parts of Chios have been repeatedly affected by fires in the last 15 years. The recent fire re-affected 51% of the area previously burned in regions such as Vessa, Karyes and Elata. Furthermore, 59,710 acres of burned land belong to protected Natura 2000 areas.

According to the European Forest Fire Information System (EFFIS), approximately 22% of Chios' surface area has burned since 2016. 2025 is recorded as one of the worst years for Greece, with over 450,000 acres destroyed by August 18.

The head of METEO, Kostas Lagouvardos, stated that 2025 ranks as the 5th worst year in the last 20 years regarding burned areas in Greece.