Wildfires are ravaging Greek holiday island as fire crews battle blazes and dozens are evacuated
Holidaymakers have been forced to flee their Mediterranean escapes after a wildfire ravaged a Greek island.
Three separate blazes erupted below the Pangia Voitheia Monastery on Chios Island this morning and at mid-day - which have gone on to spread due to powerful winds.
The flames engulfed the island leaving firefighters struggling to contain the major fire.
Tourists and locals have been urged to evacuate from more than a dozen areas, with residents in Karyes advised to flee toward the main town of Chios.
A major investigation has been launched as officials believe the fire could have been a deliberate arson attack.
A specialised task force is currently on its way to the island, who will work with Greece 's police state security division to work out the cause of the fires.
Dozens of firefighters from Athens and the northern Greek city of Thessaloniki were sent by ship as reinforcements to the 100 already on the island.
Ten water-dropping helicopters and two firefighting planes provided air support until nightfall.
The department has deployed water tankers and heavy machinery to help contain the fire.
An additional 35 officials and five vehicles have been called to support with the operation.
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.
Wildfires are frequent in Greece during its hot, dry summers, but authorities have said climate change has been fuelling bigger and more frequent blazes.
In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee.
More than 100 people died, including some who drowned trying to swim away from the flames.
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