CHIOS, GREECE — A state of emergency has been declared on the Aegean island of Chios as five wildfires continue to tear through the landscape, destroying homes, crops, and infrastructure.
The fires, which broke out in multiple locations over a 24-hour period, are being intensified by strong winds and dry conditions, prompting mass evacuations and triggering an urgent arson investigation.
Authorities reported that residents from 17 communities across the island have been evacuated since Sunday, as flames spread rapidly from the initial blazes in Kofinas, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios.
A fourth fire ignited shortly after midnight in Agios Markos, followed by a fifth front erupting early Monday morning in Agiasmata.
Images from the island show residents desperately attempting to aid firefighting efforts—some tossing buckets of water at encroaching flames, others using clothing to smother spot fires near homes.
Local media have confirmed the destruction of several homes and at least one distillery, with residents in some areas unable to return to assess damage.
“This is a very troubling situation,” said Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis, who traveled to Chios on Monday. “The fact that five separate fires broke out in such a short time across different areas of the island raises serious questions. This must be investigated thoroughly.”
An arson probe has been launched by the Fire Service’s Arson Investigation Unit, working in coordination with local police. While no arrests have been made, authorities have not ruled out the possibility of coordinated ignition.
Chios is currently experiencing moderate heat, with temperatures hovering around 30°C. However, meteorologists warn that conditions are likely to worsen later in the week, potentially complicating firefighting operations.
Nearly 190 firefighters are actively battling the blazes, supported by 11 water-dropping aircraft and helicopters. Reinforcements, including 90 more firefighters from Athens and Thessaloniki, are en route to bolster the island’s strained emergency response.
The fires have also severely impacted local utilities. The Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network (HEDNO) reported damage to the power grid, particularly around the Vrontados area, resulting in blackouts.
Crews from the neighboring island of Lesvos have been dispatched for urgent repairs, while authorities have imposed planned power cuts to assist firefighting efforts.
Water shortages and broader infrastructure damage have also been reported. Officials warned that continued fire activity could further disrupt essential services.
This is the first major wildfire incident of the summer for Greece, a country that has faced increasingly destructive fire seasons in recent years due to climate change and extreme heat.
In 2012, a massive wildfire on Chios decimated over half the island’s famed mastic trees, severely affecting the global supply of the rare and valuable resin known as the “tears of Chios.”
As authorities work to contain the fires and investigate their origins, residents brace for further uncertainty in what has already become a devastating start to the summer.