A massive wildfire is still raging on the Greek island of Chios, creating huge headaches for both firefighters and locals. The flames have swept from Agios Georgios to Vessa-Lithi and have now reached the coastline.
Evacuations have been underway, with homes and crops—especially those prized mastic trees—taking a hit. The damage to the island’s natural resources is starting to add up, and it’s got people worried.
Fire crews, backed by planes and helicopters, are fighting on several fronts. Kampi and Avgonima are particularly tough spots right now.
The community’s on edge, and authorities are keeping everyone on high alert. With the relentless summer heat and all the talk about climate change, there’s a sense that these fires aren’t just a one-off event for the Aegean islands.
Approximately 2,500 hectares consumed by wildfire on Chios
The wildfire on Chios has already burned through an estimated 2,000 to 2,500 hectares, mostly in the central and eastern parts of the island. Satellite images are showing the scope of the devastation as the fire drags into its third day.
But until the flames are out, it’s hard to get a real sense of the total impact. The scene is evolving hour by hour.
Right now, 444 firefighters are on the ground, with backup from Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Lesvos. There are 85 fire engines, 30 volunteers, and help from above with two water-dropping planes and six helicopters.
Extra muscle comes from the Hellenic Army and local crews, who are running heavy machinery and water trucks. It’s a full-court press.
Strong winds have made things even tougher, especially around Agios Markos, Agios Makarios, and Korakari. Power outages are hitting some neighborhoods, which isn’t making life any easier for residents or emergency teams.
The island’s famous mastic trees—so important for producing mastiha resin—haven’t been hit too hard yet. Still, everyone’s keeping a close eye on things.
Evacuations are ongoing, with civil protection teams working around the clock to keep people out of harm’s way.
An arson investigation unit is now involved, since five separate fires broke out within just a few hours. Suspicious? Absolutely.
Emergency services are staying on high alert, zeroing in on containment and keeping the community safe as this all unfolds.
Fire Incident in Chios: Arrest of Domestic Worker for Negligent Arson
Authorities on the island of Chios have apprehended a domestic worker of Georgian origin in connection with a fire that recently broke out. The woman admitted to causing one of the five active fires on the island—the most recent one to ignite in a string of incidents.
This happened on 23 June, around 10 a.m., in the Leptopoda area. She confessed to extinguishing her cigarette by pressing it into the ground at the spot where the fire started just moments later.
She said she tried to put it out with her foot, but clearly, that didn’t do the trick. The woman expressed regret for the damage, though that doesn’t undo much.
A co-worker became a key witness here. That person saw her going outside to throw out rubbish right as the fire began.
This testimony led investigators to identify and arrest the domestic worker. She now faces charges of negligent arson.
Local authorities are still digging into the case, trying to figure out all the factors and details that led up to this fire.
Detail |
|
|---|---|
Date and Time |
23 June, approximately 10:00 a.m. |
Location |
Leptopoda area, Chios |
Occupation |
Domestic worker |
Nationality |
Georgian |
Cause |
Cigarette disposed improperly |
Legal Status |
Arrested for negligent arson |
Evidence |
Testimony of co-worker present at fire outbreak |
The arrest has put a spotlight back on fire safety and the need for more caution in vulnerable areas, especially during the dry season. Fire services have been stretched thin, battling several active fire zones, and this incident capped off a tense series of days on the island.
