Chios, the fifth largest island in Greece, is burning, and with it, centuries of culture, agriculture, and livelihoods.
For the third consecutive day, hundreds of Greek firefighters have been battling fast-moving wildfires that continue to tear through forests and farmland across Chios, a northeastern Aegean island renowned for its natural beauty and ancient traditions. Now in a declared state of emergency, the island has mobilised 444 firefighters and eight aircraft in a race to contain the disaster.
So far, more than 600 residents have been forced to flee their homes. Flames now threaten popular tourist areas and mastiha groves—home to the mastic tree, which produces the island’s world-famous resin. UNESCO lists this resin, mastiha, as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. If these groves are destroyed, the financial loss could climb into the tens of millions of euros.
Northerly winds have made the fires more complicated to control. “A lot of work is still needed to bring the wildfires under control,” one fire brigade official told BBC News under the condition of anonymity. Footage from public broadcaster ERT showed helicopters dousing flames with seawater as white smoke rose near the popular Lithi beach.
This crisis hits at the heart of Greece’s peak tourism season, putting lives and homes at risk and vital revenue. Tourism accounts for over 25% of Greece’s GDP, and islands like Chios rely heavily on summer visits for survival.
Authorities have warned that rising global temperatures are fuelling longer and more destructive fire seasons. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service recently noted that average summer temperatures in Greece have increased by 1.5°C over the past 50 years.
As a result, the government has invested heavily, a record €400 million was allocated this year to upgrade firefighting capabilities, including deploying 18,000 trained personnel nationwide, the highest number in the country’s history.
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