The wildfires that broke out yesterday afternoon in the northern part of Chios continue to rage. On site, 190 firefighters with 38 vehicles are operating, while at first light, five aerial units (four aircraft and one helicopter) joined the effort.

Firefighters and residents fought through the night to protect homes from the flames, but strong winds continue to blow in the area. Meanwhile, since yesterday afternoon, parts of the island from the city of Chios northward remain without power.

During the night, the firefighting effort focused intensely on the south-southwest part of the fire in Chalkeio and Dafnonas, while the northern front outside Vrontados remained of great concern, as the flames continue to burn the suburban area.

According to the fire department, the fronts are scattered, burning both forest and agricultural land, while so far there is no official report of houses being burned.

According to George Christakis, deputy mayor of Tourism and Sports of the island, who took part in the latest coordination meeting of the Fire Service and Police, the fire has moved from the area of Vrontados toward the leper colony area at Kofinas.

“The Kofinas area is uninhabited and ground forces of the Fire Service are operating there,” Christakis noted, adding that Vrontados has been without power for many hours, making daily life difficult for residents and hampering operational readiness.

The flames extend across three main areas:

• From Karyes toward Kleidou
• From Vrontados, Agios Markos, and Agios Makarios, where consecutive 112 alerts were issued
• From Korakari, moving both toward the city center and southern Chios

In Agios Makarios, the flames reached the first homes, with residents and volunteers fighting by all means to stop their advance.

Photos and videos from Agios Markos Vrontados:

Strong firefighting forces on the island

Despite the coordinated aerial firefighting effort with 14 aerial units during the day, once these were grounded due to darkness, the island was left at the mercy of the strong winds, which fueled the fire fronts uncontrollably.

Reinforcements from Thessaloniki and Piraeus arrived on the island at dawn, bringing the total force to 190 firefighters with 38 vehicles now battling the blaze.

Specifically, the SUPERRUNNERJET 2 departed from Drapetsona, transporting 10 fire engines and 20 firefighters, while the “ARIADNI” ferried one bus, 5 fire engines, and 35 firefighters to strengthen the fronts around the city of Chios.

The Member of Parliament for Chios, Notis Mitarachi, is at the Operations Center of the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, along with Deputy Minister Evangelos Tournas, coordinating the firefighting operation. As announced, 11 helicopters remained on Chios to resume operations at 06:00 in the morning.

The fires as seen from the island’s airport: