Massive Wildfires Hit Chios, Greece; 16 Villages Evacuated

Post by : Bianca Suleiman

Photo: AP

Big fires broke out on Sunday on the Greek island of Chios. Firefighters are working very hard to stop the flames. Local officials said that 11 firefighting planes and helicopters have been sent to help put out the fire.

The fire has caused thick smoke in many areas. Because of the smoke and danger, 16 villages had to be evacuated. This means people had to leave their homes quickly to stay safe, according to Greece’s public radio station ERT.

A large camp where refugees were staying also had to be cleared. A total of 629 migrants were taken to a safe place. They are now staying in a nearby sports hall, and they will remain there for as long as needed, said the Ministry of Migration and Asylum.

The national weather service shared that the smoke from the fire was so heavy that it could be seen from space. They even released a video showing how big the fire has become.

Firefighters from other parts of Greece are also traveling to Chios to help. Strong winds are making the fire worse and harder to control. Because of how the fires started, the police and fire department believe someone may have set them on purpose.

According to public radio reports, fires started at three different places on Chios within just a few minutes. That’s why experts are now investigating to find out if it was arson, which means setting a fire on purpose.