A state of emergency has been declared on the Greek island as the fire continues to spread
A ferocious wildfire that sparked beneath the Pangia Voitheia Monastery on Greece’s Chios Island on Sunday continues to rage and spread.
The intensity of the fires has led locals to evacuate as strong winds fan the multiple wildfires.
Over 100 firefighters are striving to contain the blaze, supported by 11 helicopters dousing the flames from the sky.
Emergency services are working tirelessly to protect residents, with authorities urging compliance with all evacuation orders.
Several alerts have been issued throughout the day, directing people in Karyes to make their way to the main town of Chios, reports the Mirror.
The Hellenic Fire Department has confirmed that fires also erupted in Kofinas, Agia Anna and Agios Makarios in Vrontados within a single hour.
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Other affected areas include Agios Makarios in Vrontados, Agios Panteleimonas, Kastrominas, Paryfes, Gialourika and Panagia Voitheia, according to the Express.
An immediate probe into the origin of the fire has been launched.
Officials suspect the fires may have been deliberately started.
A specialist arson team is heading to the island to work alongside Greece’s police state security division in determining the cause.
Officers warn that assessing the full extent of the damage will take time.
They caution that strong winds could drive the fire further overnight.
Water tankers and heavy machinery have also been sent to the site, reinforced by an additional 35 firefighters and five vehicles dispatched to assist in battling the inferno.
