Wildfires cause evacuations on the Greek island of Chios - arson suspected
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A major wildfire has engulfed the Greek island of Chios, prompting mass evacuations and a large-scale emergency response. The blaze, which began on Sunday in three separate locations, quickly merged into a single, fast-moving inferno fuelled by strong winds and dry conditions.
Authorities have issued evacuation orders for at least 16 villages and settlements, with hundreds of residents and tourists fleeing the affected areas. Power outages and damage to farmland and forested areas have been reported, with particular concern for the island’s mastic trees, a vital part of the local economy.
More than 400 firefighters, supported by aircraft and helicopters, are battling the flames. Reinforcements from mainland Greece have been deployed, and a state of emergency has been declared. Officials are also investigating the possibility of arson, as the fires erupted in multiple locations within a short time frame.
The situation remains critical, with firefighting efforts hampered by rugged terrain and shifting winds. Greece’s climate minister has warned that the pattern of simultaneous outbreaks is “not coincidental,” and authorities are treating the incident as a potential criminal act.
Photo Credit: Wikipedia Creative Commons License
Fire as it appeared from behind a burning mountain at Chios on the second day of the disastrous event happening on the island. After burning thousands of miles, the fire still seems unstoppable even on the 3rd day of national mobilization as they try to control it. The improbability and the power of the wind blowing is making the whole operation extremely difficult to handle.
Date: Taken on 19 August 2012, 21:12:00
Source
https://www.flickr.com/photos/vasfak/7821651512/
Author: Instill Moments
Camera location
38° 21′ 35.87″ N, 26° 06′ 32.43″ E 
View this and other nearby images on: OpenStreetMap
Read more:
"BBC News – Wildfire on Greek island prompts evacuations", "url": "https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cz09lmngyv2o" }, { "title": "Sky News – Major wildfire on Greek island prompts evacuations", "url": "https://news.sky.com/story/major-wildfire-on-greek-island-prompts-evacuations-a…" }, { "title": "Daily Mail – Wildfires rage on Greek island", "url": "https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-14836827/Wildfires-Greek-island-fire-c…" }, { "title": "Greek Reporter – Chios Fire: Battle Rages on Three Fronts as Arson Suspected", "url": "https://greekreporter.com/2025/06/23/chios-fire-three-fronts-arson-suspected/" }, { "title": "Neos Kosmos – Wildfires rage across Chios", "url": "https://neoskosmos.com/en/2025/06/23/news/greece/wildfires-rage-across-chios-up…" }, { "title": "Sky News – Chios: State of emergency amid major wildfire", "url": "https://news.sky.com/story/chios-state-of-emergency-amid-major-wildfire-on-gree…" }, { "title": "The Independent – Greek wildfires: Hundreds evacuated from Chios", "url": "https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/greece-chios-evacuated-wildfire…" }
