Wildfires force evacuations on Greek island of Chios as fierce winds hamper firefighting efforts
23 June 2025, 10:10
Evacuations are underway on the Greek Island of Chios as wildfires continue to rip through the area for a second consecutive day.
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Around 190 firefighters are working to contain the flames in the northeastern Aegean Sea, with the fires spreading rapidly across the island due to powerful winds.
Crews are being supported by six aircraft in an effort to stop the blaze from reaching local villages and regions vital for the production of mastiha, a natural resin harvested from mastic trees.
However, the powerful gusts have left emergency services struggling to contain the inferno, which has already engulfed large parts of the island.
Residents and tourists have been forced to evacuate their homes for safety, with the widespread destruction also leading to power cuts.
A specialised task force is currently en route to the island and will work with Greece's police state security division to identify cause of the fires.
Frequent wildfires have plagued Greece in recent years, causing severe economic and environmental damage.
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Sitting at Europe's hot southernmost tip, scientists say the country is experiencing the effects of a rapidly changing climate.
Households and farmers have received hundreds of millions of euros from the government to compensate for damage caused by extreme weather.
Officials have also invested heavily in acquiring new and modern firefighting equipment to tackle wildfires more effectively.
Residents of Ano Souli, a village northeast of Athens, were ordered to evacuate their homes last week after a nearby dense forest burst into flames.
Around 120 firefighters, supported by 17 aircraft and 30 engines, battled to bring the blaze under control, located approximately 25 miles from the Greek capital.
Earlier this year it was reported that Athens is the hottest capital in continental Europe.
And the national meteorological service predicts those arriving in in July and August will face even more extreme temperatures, creating a perfect combination of tourism and scorching weather.
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