Greek Island Wildfire Triggers State of Emergency and Massive Firefighting Effort

As wildfires persist on Chios for a second day, nearly 200 firefighters are battling the fast-spreading blaze, and residents in 16 areas have been ordered to evacuate.

The Greek government declared a state of emergency on the island on Monday to enable local authorities to take swift and effective action. The fires broke out over the weekend, with multiple outbreaks reported near the island’s main town and surrounding villages.

Civil Protection Minister Ioannis Kefalogiannis expressed how the natural conditions have made firefighting efforts extremely difficult. “If the wind dies down, we may be able to get the fire under control,” he told local media. “But so far, the wind remains strong.”

According to the fire service, around 190 firefighters have been deployed, supported by 38 vehicles, 12 helicopters, and four water-bombing aircraft. Furthermore, a specialist fire department arson investigation team has been dispatched to determine the cause of the initial three separate fires that turned into one massive blaze in under 45 minutes. AMNA reports that authorities are considering coordinated arson as “All three ignition points were located near electricity lines,”.

At the same time, officials and experts have also pointed to climate change as a contributing factor. Wildfires are common in Greece during its hot and dry summers; authorities have previously said climate change is intensifying both their frequency and severity.

Authorities continue to urge residents to follow evacuation orders and remain vigilant as the situation develops.

About the Author

Lukhona Sixishe

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Lukhona is a general news reporter who covers a wide range of stories, from politics to entertainment. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Media and Writing from the University of Cape Town and has had work published in News24. She joined The Post News in the second quarter of 2025. journalist-lukhona@thepostnews.net

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