Firefighters on the eastern Aegean island of Chios are battling a major wildfire for a second day, as strong winds continue to fuel the flames and complicate containment efforts. The blaze, burning near the island’s main town, has prompted a large emergency response and raised concerns across the region.
The fire department said 190 firefighters were battling the blaze Monday. They were backed up by 35 vehicles, five helicopters and two water-dropping planes. Strong winds in the area since Sunday have hampered firefighting efforts.
Push alerts have been sent to mobile phones in the area urging people to evacuate a total of 16 villages, settlements and neighborhoods on the outskirts of Chios town since the blaze broke out on Sunday.
Wildfires are common in Greece during its hot, dry summers, but scientists say they have been intensified by a rapidly changing climate.
