Newsroom
Cyprus has expressed readiness to assist Greece in battling a large wildfire on the island of Chios, authorities said Monday.
Following instructions from Justice and Public Order Minister Marios Hartsiotis, Fire Service Chief Nikos Longinos contacted the head of the Hellenic Fire Corps, Theodoros Vagias, to offer support, the Justice Ministry said in a statement.
Vagias thanked Cyprus for its swift response and willingness to help, and said he would follow up if additional aid is needed.
The fire, which has been burning for a second straight day, has forced emergency evacuations and threatened Chios’ iconic mastic-producing villages. Authorities have declared a state of emergency on the island through July 22.
Emergency alerts sent via the 112 warning system began Monday morning, ordering residents to evacuate at least 17 villages, including Leptopoda, Agios Georgios Sykousis, Vessa and Armolia. Residents were directed along designated routes to safety, with the Livadia indoor gymnasium set up as a key shelter.
Greece has deployed significant resources to fight the fire, including 190 firefighters, 11 ground teams, 38 vehicles, 13 helicopters and four Canadair aircraft. Another 170 firefighters and 30 vehicles are on the way. The Hellenic Army is also supporting efforts with water tankers and heavy machinery.
“The situation on the island has been very difficult since yesterday, with constant new fronts and flare-ups,” Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Yiannis Kefalogiannis said during a visit to the island. “The fire fronts are suspiciously scattered and will be thoroughly investigated.”
Officials said three separate fire fronts broke out in less than 90 minutes in unconnected areas, prompting an investigation by the Fire Service’s Arson Crimes Directorate and Hellenic Police.
The mastic-producing villages, critical to the local economy, are of particular concern. Giorgos Toubos, president of the Chios Mastic Producers Association, said flames reached Agios Georgios and were advancing toward Vessa, Armolia and Lithio. Some trees have already been affected.
Authorities said no homes have been reported damaged, though some farm buildings have sustained minor losses. Power outages continue in the areas of Vrontados and Amani as firefighting aircraft operate overhead.
North Aegean Regional Governor Kostas Moutzouris described the fire as a “single, unstoppable front,” but said improved weather and lower wind speeds gave reason for cautious optimism.
A mobile coordination center, code-named “OLYMPOS,” has been deployed to assist firefighting efforts. Officials held a high-level emergency meeting Monday to assess the situation and adjust strategy.
