State of Emergency Declared as Wildfires Ravage Greek Island of Chios

Authorities on the Greek island of Chios have declared a state of emergency as firefighters battle three major wildfires that erupted almost simultaneously for a second consecutive day.

Seventeen villages and a migrant reception centre have been evacuated so far, with hundreds of residents and migrants moved to safety. While no tourist areas are currently under threat, strong winds continue to fuel the fires and hinder firefighting efforts, local media report.

Nearly 200 firefighters, supported by 38 fire engines, aircraft, helicopters, and additional reinforcements from the mainland, are working to contain the blazes. Videos shared by the local outlet politischios.gr show flames sweeping across parts of the island.

One of the major concerns is the threat to Chios’s famed mastic groves, which produce the rare and economically vital resin from the Pistacia lentiscus plant. These groves grow exclusively in the island’s south and are used in products ranging from chewing gum and desserts to cosmetics and medicine. A previous fire in 2012 devastated nearly half of the groves.

Local officials suspect arson, citing the suspicious timing of the fires. Authorities have launched an investigation, noting that most wildfires in Greece are caused by human activity—either through negligence or deliberate acts. Despite this, arrests remain rare.