A ferocious wildfire that broke out below the Pangia Voitheia Monastery on Greece’s Chios Island on Sunday has continued to burn and spread, forcing residents to evacuate as powerful winds fan the flames
A raging wildfire that ignited beneath the Pangia Voitheia Monastery on Greece’s Chios Island on Sunday continues to blaze and spread.
The strength of the fires has prompting locals to evacuate as strong winds fuel the various wildfires.
Over 100 firefighters are battling to control the inferno, aided by 11 helicopters dousing the flames from above.
Emergency services are working to safeguard residents, with authorities urging adherence to all evacuation orders.
Numerous alerts have been issued throughout the day, instructing people in Karyes to head for the main town of Chios.
The Hellenic Fire Department has confirmed that fires also broke out in Kofinas, Agia Anna and Agios Makarios in Vrontados within a single hour.
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Other impacted areas include Agios Makarios in Vrontados, Agios Panteleimonas, Kastrominas, Paryfes, Gialourika and Panagia Voitheia, reports the Express.
An immediate investigation into the fire’s origin has been initiated.
Officials suspect the fires may have been intentionally set.
A specialist arson squad is en route to the island to collaborate with Greece’s police state security division in determining the cause.
Officers caution that assessing the full scale of the damage will take time.
They warn that potent winds could propel the fire further overnight.
Water tankers and heavy machinery have also been deployed to the site, bolstered by an additional 35 firefighters and five vehicles dispatched to help combat the blaze.