Chios Declared State of Emergency Due to Multiple Fires

The municipality of Chios has requested the declaration of a state of emergency on the island due to the ongoing fires. The fire front is moving towards Mastichochoria, an area that was also affected in 2012, when 180,000 mastic trees were destroyed.

According to meteorologist Giannis Kallianos, approximately 62,000 acres have been burned, representing 1/13 of the island. Smoke has reached Crete due to strong northeastern winds.

Since Sunday, five forest fires have broken out in the areas of Kofinas, Agia Anna, Agios Makarios Vrontadon, Agios Markos, and Agiasmata.

190 firefighters with 11 ground teams and 38 vehicles are participating in the firefighting operations. Reinforcements are expected from Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, Piraeus, and Lesvos, including volunteers. Four aircraft and 13 helicopters are also operating, with the assistance of water trucks and machinery from the Hellenic Army and Local Government.