NEWS

Large fire on island of Chios threatens several villages

Large fire on island of Chios threatens several villages

A fire that broke out shortly after 3 a.m. on Monday on forestland on the island of Chios was burning hard later in the day due to strong winds in the area.

A large firefighting contingent was dispatched to Vessa, in the northern part of the island, to contain the blaze. A total of 38 firefighters, manning 16 engines, were participating in the operation along with 40 volunteers, aided by six helicopters.

Canadair water-dropping helicopters had not been able to operate by late morning due to the strong winds.

As the mayor of the island Manolis Vournous told the Athens News Agency, the fire threatened homes in the village of Elata, burning some gardens.

Some cultivations of mastic around the villages of Mesta, Olympoi and Vessa were burned.

The governor of the Northern Aegean region, Christiana Kalogirou, called for several villages on the island to be declared to be in a state of emergency.
 

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