Chios is under emergency alert as three separate wildfires burn out of control across the island, threatening homes and forcing the evacuation of at least 16 villages. The fires broke out in the areas of Kofinas, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios Vrontados, with authorities issuing successive evacuation messages via the 112 emergency system throughout Sunday.
New evacuation orders have been issued for additional settlements, including Agios Markos in Vrontados, as strong northerly winds (reaching 5–6 Beaufort) continue to fan the flames and hamper containment efforts.
The fire, which first erupted near the Panagia Voitheia area of Kofinas, rapidly spread across three fronts. Firefighting forces include 62 personnel, 23 vehicles, a ground team, two aircraft, and six helicopters. Civil Protection messages advised residents in affected areas to head towards the coast for safety.
Though flames had not yet reached the heart of Agios Markos at the time of evacuation, authorities cited the unpredictability of wind gusts as a serious threat.
Special forest firefighting units (the “Dasokomandoi”) arrived on the island from Athens and Thessaloniki by military aircraft. These elite teams will join local forces overnight to try to bring the fires under control before daylight. Reinforcements from Piraeus are also en route, including both ground crews and aerial resources, which were grounded at nightfall.
One of the most dangerous fronts is near the southwest of Chios town, where steep rocky terrain is complicating access and operations.
In total, fires erupted in Kofinas, the area of Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios in Vrontados, all within a 2km radius and under 45 minutes apart.
This has led authorities to investigate the possibility of coordinated arson, AMNA reported. All three ignition points were located near electricity lines, adding to suspicions.
Residents of multiple areas, including Dafnonas, Ververato, Chalkios, Vasileoniko, Grous, and Zifias, were earlier ordered to evacuate. New messages advised those in Karyes, Varvasi, Evreti, and Vavyloi to move toward safer coastal zones or the city of Chios itself.
The following areas have received evacuation orders:
Agios Markos Vrontados
Agios Panteleimon
Kastromina
Paryfes
Gialourika
Panagia Voitheia
The shipping division of the Hellenic Coast Guard quickly mobilised support, chartering the Superrunner Jet 2 ferry from Drapetsona to transport additional crews to the island. Aboard were 10 fire trucks and 20 firefighters. A second ferry, Ariadne, also carried 5 more fire trucks, a coach, and 35 personnel.
Authorities remain on high alert overnight, hoping calmer morning conditions will offer relief. The situation remains volatile, and firefighting efforts are ongoing as the island grapples with one of its worst fire emergencies in recent memory.
