On the Greek island of Chios, firefighting efforts continue against the forest and bush fires that have been raging since Sunday. Several hundred firefighters and numerous islanders are working tirelessly. As the fires broke out almost simultaneously in three different places, the authorities are now investigating on suspicion of arson. [1]
In some areas, the power went out and forest and pastureland was destroyed. The unique mastic plantations in the south of the island, which are of great economic importance, are particularly threatened. Fires had already destroyed almost half of these plantations in 2010. [2]
The firefighting efforts are being supported by several firefighting aircraft and helicopters. A temporary calming of the weather, in particular the expected decrease in the previously strong winds, gives the emergency services new hope, as the wind had previously significantly aided the spread of the flames. The government has deployed additional police and military support and emphasized that those responsible will be held criminally accountable. [2,3]
Status: 25/06/2025, 10:15 CEST
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[1] Tagesschau (2025): Chios kämpft gegen die Flammen. Retrieved on 25.06.2024 under: Griechische Insel Chios kämpft gegen die Flammen | tagesschau.de
[2] Zeit Online (2025): Feuerwehr kämpft gegen Waldbrände auf griechischer Insel. Retrieved on 25.06.2024 under: Griechenland: Feuerwehr kämpft gegen Waldbrände auf griechischer Insel | ZEIT ONLINE
[3] FAZ (2025): Brandbekämpfer auf Chios: Mit allen Mitteln angreifen. Retrieved on 25.06.2024 under: Brandbekämpfer auf Chios: «Mit allen Mitteln angreifen»
(Image source: tagesschau)