IRISH tourists have been warned to “stay away” from towering wildfires fanned by strong winds that are ravaging the Greek island of Chios.
Three large wildfires, which broke out almost simultaneously yesterday, forced the evacuation of almost 20 villages and a reception centre for migrants.
Some 190 firefighters assisted by six aircraft are battling to contain the blazes and keep them away from homes and mastic plantations on the island, which provide it with a major source of income.
But gusts of wind have today complicated efforts to extinguish the wildfires, which have caused power cuts, forced hundreds to flee their homes and burnt forests and land.
Authorities have confirmed that tourists to the island have not yet been affected.
However, Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs has warned tourists that wildfires are “highly dangerous, unpredictable, and fast moving”.
Irish holidaymakers are told to “stay away” from affected areas and comply with evacuation orders or instructions from emergency services.
The DFA said: “Large-scales fires and extreme temperatures can affect a number of areas in Greece, particularly in the summer months.
“If a situation escalates, local authorities may send warnings to all mobile phones in the vicinity, which will sound like a loud alarm. The text of the warning will be in English below the Greek.
“Take any action advised (though some alerts are precautionary only).
“Sometimes there will be organised evacuation, and in some instances, where very large numbers of people need to be moved quickly, you may need to make your own arrangements.
“If evacuation is advised, do not wait, and follow the instructions on which direction to move in. Ensure roaming is turned on to receive any mobile phone alerts from local authorities.”
Holidaymakers are urged to “stay informed” of what is going on by monitoring local news and social media.
On Chios, situated in the northern Aegean Sea near Turkey, Greece’s Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection sent mass evacuation alerts yesterday.
According to the Hellenic Fire Department, fire erupted in Kofinas, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios in Vrontados within one hour.
Other affected areas include Agios Makarios in Vrontados, Agios Panteleimonas, Kastrominas, Paryfes, Gialourika, and Panagia Voitheia.
POWER OUTAGES
Several homes in the affected areas have already burned.
Yiannis Malafis, the mayor of Chios, said the winds are “extremely strong” as he described the situation as “very difficult”.
He added: “Helicopters are operating, but under challenging conditions”.
The Municipality of Chios reported that the ongoing fires have caused extensive power outages in the central and northern parts of the island.
A spokesperson said: “Despite the use of generators, desalination plants, drilling rigs, and pumping stations remain without power.
“At the same time, outbreaks in several places have caused damage to the networks, which, despite continuous efforts, have not yet been fully restored.”
WILDFIRES WREAK HAVOC
This isn’t the first time Greece has suffered from spreading wildfires.
Last year, wildfires wreaked havoc in the country as more than 700 firefighters sought to tackle the raging fires, which spread because of soaring temperatures and strong winds.
Parts of Greece, including an area 24 miles north of Athens, and a stretch of pine forest in the port city of Piraeus on the island of Hydra were hit by the blaze.
At one stage, half of the country was on high alert and more than 12 areas were ordered to leave.
This followed a summer of extreme fires in 2023, when some of the worst wildfires in living memory burnt through parts of the country,
Some 61 separate fires struck across the country — in Rhodes, Corfu, Evia and close to Athens.
The blazes across the country, which were supercharged by strong winds and temperatures exceeding 40C killed five, including two firefighter pilots.
