Wildfires reported on Chios and Evia islands and near Kavala

Wildfires broke out in forested areas on the Greek islands of Chios and Evia, as well as near the northern city of Kavala, according to the Hellenic Fire Service.

Firefighters deployed on Chios and Evia
A wildfire was reported in a forested area near Viki on Chios island.

Ground crews were supported by two firefighting aircraft and three helicopters as they worked to contain the blaze.

Greece’s General Secretariat for Civil Protection also sent emergency alerts to mobile phones in the affected area, urging residents and visitors to follow instructions issued by the authorities.

Meanwhile, another fire broke out in a green area near Kato Monokaria on Evia. Both ground and aerial firefighting units were deployed to the scene.

Forest fire reported near Kavala
A separate wildfire was reported during the afternoon in the Hrisokastro area near Kavala.

According to Greek media reports, 20 firefighters, a foot unit, seven fire engines and a helicopter were involved in the firefighting operation. Municipal water tankers also assisted emergency crews.

Two people detained over Chios and Evia fires
Investigations by the Hellenic Fire Service’s Arson Crimes Division reportedly determined that the Chios and Evia fires were caused by negligence.

On Evia, a 49-year-old man was reportedly detained after allegedly starting the fire at around 12:15 p.m. while using an angle grinder during work. He was reportedly fined €3,282 under the flagrant-offense procedure.

On Chios, a 68-year-old man was detained after allegedly causing the fire near Viki while using a grass-cutting machine at approximately 11:15 a.m.

Hundreds of wildfire-related violations recorded
According to Greek media reports, authorities issued 744 administrative fines for fire-related violations between January 1 and August 27, totaling €1,219,599.

During the same period, 316 people were detained under the flagrant-offense procedure. Of those, 281 were reportedly investigated over suspected negligence, while 35 were investigated over suspected intentional acts.

The Hellenic Fire Service stressed that human negligence continues to account for a large proportion of wildfires in Greece and urged the public to strictly follow fire-safety rules when carrying out work that could produce sparks or trigger ignition.