Greek firefighting teams are struggling to extinguish a forest fire that broke out on Chios Island in the eastern Aegean Sea, while the Prime Minister warned of a dangerous summer ahead and emphasized that public assistance is essential to reduce the impact of wildfires. Emergency services issued evacuation orders to residents in the Mitohii area of western Chios, urging them to head to a nearby beach. The fire erupted the day after the fire department managed to control two large forest fires near Athens, fueled by strong winds.
Greece is engulfed in flames: Devastating fires ravage Serifos Island. The fire is consuming more areas of Greece. We pray for the motherland. Hellenic Heroes.
In a cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis stated, "We have gone through a very difficult June in terms of weather conditions, with high levels of drought and unusually strong winds for this season." He mentioned that this summer is expected to be particularly dangerous regarding forest fires, emphasizing that the use of drones as part of the early warning system for wildfires has been particularly beneficial this year. He credited improved coordination between authorities and volunteer firefighters for mitigating the extent of fire damage so far.
The hot, dry weather accompanied by strong winds contributed to the intensification of fires in both Greece and Turkey last month. This summer is expected to be particularly prone to fires after a mild, dry winter. Last year, widespread wildfires in Greece caused the deaths of more than 20 people.
