Residents of Chios island, Greece, endured a harrowing night as multiple wildfire fronts raged across the island: one in the Karyes–Kleidous area, another in Vrontados, Agios Markos, and Agios Makarios (with corresponding 112 emergency alerts), and a third spreading from Korakari toward central and southern Chios.

Shortly before 6:00 a.m. on June 23, aerial firefighting efforts resumed, but strong winds persist, hampering containment of the fire that has been raging since yesterday. So far, 16 settlements have been evacuated. In Agios Makarios, flames reached the first homes, with residents and volunteers fighting desperately to hold back the fire.

At 06:05, another 112 alert was issued, urging the precautionary evacuation of Restá.

Over 100 Firefighters Deployed

More than 100 firefighters are operating across the fire fronts, supported by six ground teams from the 1st and 13th Special Forest Firefighting Units (EMODE) and 23 fire engines, including 35 firefighters flown in from Elefsina by Hellenic Air Force transport aircraft.

Eleven elite forest firefighter units from Athens and Thessaloniki were also flown in to support the firefighting effort.

A fireman walks as wildfire, fanned by strong winds, approaches residential areas near the village of Karyes on Chios island, Greece, June 22, 2025. REUTERS/Kostas Anagnostou

600 Refugees Evacuated

More than 600 refugees and migrants hosted at the former VIAL closed controlled structure were preemptively evacuated on Sunday afternoon to Chios Indoor Gymnasium, where they spent the night. The evacuation was described by Politischios.gr as swift and well-coordinated.

Power Outages Hamper Efforts

Widespread power outages, including in Karyes, are making it harder to protect property, as both lighting and water supply are unavailable.

Reinforcements Arrive by Sea

  • The Superrunner Jet 2 departed from Drapetsona, carrying 10 fire trucks and 20 firefighters.
  • Onboard the ferry Ariadni, a bus, five fire engines, and 35 firefighters were dispatched to reinforce fire fronts near Chios town.

Chios MP Notis Mitarachi was at the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection’s Operations Center with Deputy Minister Evangelos Tournas, overseeing coordination. Mitarachi confirmed that 11 helicopters remained stationed in Chios to resume firefighting at 06:00 Monday morning.

Arson Under Investigation

Under the Fire Department Chief’s orders, a special arson investigation unit from the Fire Crimes Division has been dispatched to Chios. Working with Chios State Security, they will investigate the causes behind the successive wildfires.

Sources indicate that in Agios Makarios, a gasoline canister was found, raising strong suspicions of arson.