Greece has declared a state of emergency on the island of Chios in response to significant wildfires that have been ongoing since the weekend.
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Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis explained, “This decision enables local authorities to swiftly implement the necessary measures to combat the fires.” He emphasized the urgency of the situation given that Chios, the fifth-largest island in Greece located in the northern Aegean Sea, is facing multiple fire outbreaks across five different fronts.
During his visit to the island, Mr. Kefalogiannis noted that the strong winds are compounding the challenges firefighters face. He shared insights with the Greek news outlet iEidiseis, stating, “If the wind dies down a bit, we might have a better chance of bringing the fire under control. But unfortunately, the wind hasn’t calmed yet.”
As fire conditions worsen, local authorities have evacuated around a dozen localities, including hundreds of asylum seekers from a reception center. Just today, seven villages were forced to evacuate as a precaution.
The fire poses a significant risk to the island’s mastic tree fields. The aromatic resin harvested from these trees is not only a local treasure but is also essential for producing chewing gum, alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceuticals. The mastic from Chios holds cultural significance, being recognized as an integral part of UNESCO’s intangible cultural heritage.
As we look ahead, forecasts indicate a looming heatwave, with temperatures rising above 40°C (104°F) anticipated, including in the capital city of Athens. Greece’s vulnerability to wildfires is exacerbated during the summer months, fueled by a combination of strong winds, drought conditions, and rising temperatures linked to climate change.
Read more: Watch: Volunteers prepare for peak fire season in Greece
In this challenging moment, now more than ever, communities and authorities must come together to tackle the threat of wildfires head-on. As we navigate through this crisis, the resilience of the people of Chios and the support they receive will be crucial.
