Chios has been declared in a state of emergency after the breakout of five wildfires in just two days, with officials stating they are seriously considering the possibility of arson.
Firefighting forces have been reinforced, with 282 personnel battling the numerous fronts on the island.
The flames are causing serious concern, threatening people’s properties and scorching the local greenery, while the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection has left open the possibility of arson.
The fires started on Sunday, erupting in Kofinas, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios Vrontadon, and another broke out in the early hours of the morning at Agios Markos.
Later that same morning, another fire sparked in the Agiasmata area.
The Fire Service has launched a massive operation involving 282 firefighters with 38 vehicles, including 82 who arrived by air from Thessaloniki.
Also assisting are 21 ground teams, while earlier, four aircraft and 13 helicopters (one for coordination) were deployed. Water tankers and construction equipment from the Hellenic Army and local government authorities (OTA) are also contributing to the firefighting efforts.
Giannis Kefalogiannis, the Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, travelled to Chios accompanied by the General Secretary for Civil Protection, Nikos Papaefstathiou.
The Minister stated that the government is seriously considering the possibility of organized criminal activity – specifically, arson.
He added that since yesterday, simultaneous fires have been occurring “in multiple, geographically unrelated locations on the island—a pattern that cannot be considered coincidental”.
“When fires break out simultaneously in such scattered areas, we are obliged to talk about suspicious activity,” said Mr. Kefalogiannis.
He also expressed his gratitude to the forces battling the fires and issued a stern warning, emphasizing that “anyone who thinks they can play with citizens’ lives and cause chaos through premeditated actions will be brought to justice.”
The 112 emergency system has sent evacuation messages for the settlements of Vessa, Lithi, Elata, and Armolia in Chios. Specifically, the message reads:
“Wildfire in your area. If you are in the areas of Vessa, Lithi, Elata, and Armolia of Chios, evacuate via Kontelopou toward the Livadia indoor gym. Follow the instructions of the Authorities.”
It is also noted that residents of the settlement of Leptopoda in northern Chios are on standby for immediate evacuation following another 112 message.
In the early hours, evacuation orders were issued for Resta and Agia Paraskevi. Later, messages were sent to residents in Agios Georgios Sykousis and Dafnonas to evacuate toward the city of Chios.
On Sunday, the areas of Agios Makarios, Agios Markos, and Karyes had already been evacuated.
