After three grueling days battling relentless wildfires, the island of Chios woke up Wednesday to a fragile but encouraging calm. While there are currently no active fire fronts, firefighting efforts remain in full force, with aerial units taking off at first light to tackle remaining hotspots and minimize the risk of reignition.
According to local reports, the situation came perilously close to a major catastrophe overnight. Fire crews worked through the night to contain repeated flare-ups, particularly in the rugged Kampi region near Agios Georgios. The success of ground teams, including specialized walking units, in preventing the fire from advancing further south. Had the flames breached that line, southern Chios — home to valuable mastic crops — could have suffered irreversible damage.
(ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)
Massive Firefighting Deployment
The response on Chios has scaled up into a titanic mobilization. Currently, 444 firefighters are deployed across the island, drawing on resources not only from Chios but also from Athens, Thessaloniki, Kavala, and Lesvos.
The force includes:
- 21 elite forest commando units
- 85 fire trucks
- 30 volunteers supporting operations with 4 volunteer vehicles
- 8 aerial units (including 2 airplanes and 6 helicopters)
- Support from military water tankers and heavy equipment, provided by both the Hellenic Army and local municipalities.
These units continue targeted water drops from the air to suppress remaining embers and prevent flare-ups, particularly in remote and difficult terrain.
(ΚΩΣΤΑΣ ΑΝΑΓΝΩΣΤΟΥ/EUROKINISSI)
State of Readiness Despite Relief
Although no active flames are currently reported, authorities are treating the situation with continued caution. The unpredictable behavior of the wildfire over previous days and ongoing weather risks mean the operation has shifted from suppression to stabilization and protection.
Local officials stress that complacency is not an option. The focus now is on ensuring that vulnerable zones remain protected while work begins on recovery and damage assessment.
With no active fire front for the first time in days, Chios moves toward a critical phase of recovery — though the scale of the environmental and agricultural damage, particularly to the island’s signature mastic groves, remains to be fully assessed.
