Firefighting teams are actively combating wildfires on Chios, where multiple blazes erupted on Sunday afternoon across three sites.
The Fire Service reports numerous scattered hotspots, with the most critical areas being Agios Georgios Sykousis, Vessa, and Dafnonas.
This morning, a 112 emergency alert was issued urging residents once again to evacuate Vessa.
The island was officially placed under a state of emergency yesterday. Currently, 444 firefighters are deployed alongside 85 vehicles and 21 ground teams. In addition, two planes and six helicopters have commenced aerial water drops since dawn.
Tense Night – Fighting Fires on Multiple Fronts
On Monday night, two emergency alerts were broadcast via 112 — one for evacuating Ververato and Zyfias, and another for Lithio.
The first message read:
“Forest fire in your vicinity. If you are in Ververato or Zyfias, evacuate toward the city of Chios. Follow authorities’ instructions.”
The second alert, issued just after midnight, stated:
“Forest fire in your area. If you are in Lithio, evacuate toward the Neochori Community Hall.”
Ground forces are concentrating their efforts toward Dafnonas, west of Chios town, working to contain hotspots along the fire perimeter and prevent reignition.
In just two days, five separate fires have ignited on the island. Fires started on Sunday in Kofinas, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios Vrontados. Early on Monday, a new front opened in Agios Markos, followed by another in Agiasmata later that morning.
Investigation into Possible Arson
Yesterday, the Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Giannis Kefalogiannis, along with General Secretary for Civil Protection, Nikos Papaefstathiou, visited Chios. The minister announced that they are investigating the possibility of organized criminal activity, such as arson, noting that the simultaneous outbreaks occur in “multiple, geographically unconnected locations,” suggesting a suspicious pattern.
“When so many fires ignite simultaneously across different areas, we must consider the potential for deliberate action,” Mr. Kefalogiannis stated, while expressing appreciation for the firefighting teams’ efforts. He added a warning:
“Anyone thinking they can endanger lives through premeditated acts will face justice.”
Satellite Imagery Reveals Extent of Damage
The National Observatory of Athens provided a satellite image depicting burned areas and active fire fronts on the island. The photo, captured by the European Sentinel-2 satellite, shows the level of devastation as of 12:20 p.m. local time on June 23, 2025.
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