Wildfires Erupt on Greek Island Chios, Prompting Evacuations and Investigations

Sun Jul 13 2025 19:07:57 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
Wildfires Erupt on Greek Island Chios, Prompting Evacuations and Investigations

As wildfires rage across Chios, Greece, authorities evacuate communities and mobilize significant firefighting resources amid increasing concerns of arson.


The Greek island of Chios faces critical wildfire situations, leading to emergency declarations and community evacuations. Firefighting efforts are ramped up as climate conditions worsen, raising alarm over arson and historical fire trends.


Firefighters in Greece are currently engaged in an intense battle against wildfires on the renowned tourist island of Chios. The fires erupted over the weekend, prompting officials to declare a state of emergency and evacuate at least a dozen villages. The Hellenic Fire Service, in a statement, reported three significant fire outbreaks—specifically in Kofina, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios Vrontadon—on Sunday.

Over 190 firefighters have been deployed to combat these blazes, with additional personnel expected to arrive soon. The fire-fighting efforts are being bolstered not only by ground crews but also through aerial support, which includes 13 helicopters and four aircraft working to suppress the flames. Chios, celebrated for its natural beauty and summer tourism, finds itself grappling with conditions that enable rapid fire spread due to extreme heat and strong winds.

Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, acknowledged the challenging situation on the island, noting ongoing new fire fronts and unfavorable weather conditions. Wildfires have historically been a concern in Greece, exacerbated by ongoing climate change, which has resulted in a notable increase in both the frequency and severity of such incidents.

As part of a broader strategy to respond to fire threats effectively, Greek officials had previously announced plans to strengthen their wildfire response capabilities. This year, they allocated significant funding—over 2 billion euros—for improved fire detection technologies, anticipating the challenges posed by increasingly severe fire seasons.

The Directorate to Investigate Arson Crimes has also been deployed to the island to ascertain the causes behind these fires, raising suspicions as the three separate outbreaks ignited within short intervals. Local firefighters have reported heroic efforts by residents, with some attempting to battle the flames directly in Kofina. With wildfires posing an ever-greater risk, the collective response and adaptation strategies of Greece will be critical in safeguarding communities and natural landscapes.

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