Greece declares emergency on Chios as fires burn
Greece has put the island of Chios under a state of emergency because of major fires that have raged since the weekend.
Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis said the decision was made so that local authorities "can immediately take the necessary measures".
Chios, in the northern Aegean Sea, is Greece's fifth-largest island and is facing five separate fire outbreaks.
Some 190 firefighters, 38 vehicles, 12 helicopters and four water-bombers have been deployed to tackle the flames, the fire service said.
Mr Kefalogiannis, who travelled to the island, said strong winds were making the situation "very difficult".
Reinforcements were being deployed, he told Greek news site iEidiseis, adding: "If the wind dies down a bit we might be able to get this fire under control.
"But the wind really hasn't dropped."
Yesterday, about a dozen localities and hundreds of asylum seekers at a reception centre were forced to move.
Seven villages had to be evacuated today.
Greece is particularly vulnerable to fires during the summer months, fuelled by strong winds, drought and high temperatures linked to climate change.
Forecasts predict a heatwave in the coming days, with temperatures of more than 40C expected, including in the capital Athens.
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RTÉ News
6 hours ago
- RTÉ News
Greece declares emergency on Chios as fires burn
Greece has put the island of Chios under a state of emergency because of major fires that have raged since the weekend. Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis said the decision was made so that local authorities "can immediately take the necessary measures". Chios, in the northern Aegean Sea, is Greece's fifth-largest island and is facing five separate fire outbreaks. Some 190 firefighters, 38 vehicles, 12 helicopters and four water-bombers have been deployed to tackle the flames, the fire service said. Mr Kefalogiannis, who travelled to the island, said strong winds were making the situation "very difficult". Reinforcements were being deployed, he told Greek news site iEidiseis, adding: "If the wind dies down a bit we might be able to get this fire under control. "But the wind really hasn't dropped." Yesterday, about a dozen localities and hundreds of asylum seekers at a reception centre were forced to move. Seven villages had to be evacuated today. Greece is particularly vulnerable to fires during the summer months, fuelled by strong winds, drought and high temperatures linked to climate change. Forecasts predict a heatwave in the coming days, with temperatures of more than 40C expected, including in the capital Athens.
Irish Independent
13 hours ago
- Irish Independent
More than 100 firefighters battle wildfires on Greece's Chios island for second day
©Reuters Dozens of firefighters battled to tame wildfires fanned by strong winds on the Greek island of Chios in the northeastern Aegean Sea for a second day on Monday as authorities evacuated more villages. Some 190 firefighters assisted by six aircraft were trying to contain the blazes and keep them away from homes and areas known for their production of mastiha, a natural resin harvested from mastic trees. Register for free to read this story Register and create a profile to get access to our free stories. You'll also unlock more free stories each week. Already registered? Log In
Irish Examiner
a day ago
- Irish Examiner
More than 100 firefighters battle large wildfire on Greek island
More than 100 firefighters assisted by water-dropping helicopters and planes are battling a large wildfire burning near the main town of the eastern Aegean island of Chios, with emergency services ordering the evacuation of a dozen areas. The fire department said three separate blazes had broken out in the morning and mid-day on Sunday near the town of Chios. The flames were fanned by strong winds, leaving firefighters struggling to contain what turned into one large blaze. The fire department said it was sending an arson investigation team to the Greek island. A firefighter pours water to cool down his colleague as they battle a large wildfire on Chios (Pantelis Fykaris/ via AP) Dozens of firefighters from Athens and the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki were sent by ship as reinforcements to the 100 already on the island. Ten water-dropping helicopters and two firefighting planes provided air support until nightfall. As daylight faded, local media footage and photos showed firefighters battling towering flames burning through woodland and farmland. Wildfires are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers, but authorities have said climate change has been fuelling bigger and more frequent blazes. In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee. More than 100 people died, including some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames.
