Wildfires Force Mass Evacuations on Greek Islands Chios, Crete

Wildfires on Greece's Chios Island have forced the evacuation of numerous villages and thousands of residents as strong winds continue to fan the flames. Over 190 firefighters, supported by helicopters, planes, and heavy machinery, are battling the blazes, which have consumed vast areas of forest and pasture land, threatening residential zones and regions critical for mastiha resin production. Authorities have dispatched reinforcements from Athens and Thessaloniki, and a specialist arson team is investigating the possibility that the fires were deliberately set. The fires highlight the broader impact of climate change on Greece, which has experienced record temperatures and an increasing frequency of wildfires, prompting significant government investment in firefighting resources and compensation for affected households. Power cuts and widespread destruction have compounded the crisis, which comes amid expectations of a record tourist season, raising concerns about the ongoing environmental and economic toll. Authorities emphasize the importance of following evacuation orders as efforts to contain the fires continue under challenging conditions.