A large fire that broke out early Monday morning is raging on Chios island destroying a forest and putting in danger nearby villages that have been evacuated.
So far, 12 firefighting vehicles, 15 municipality trucks, 32 men of the local fire department and dozens of volunteers are trying to contain it, while airplanes and helicopters have been employed.
The fire broke out at 3:15 am in the Vessa region in the southern part of the island. The strong winds blowing in the area are making the firefighters’ struggle especially difficult. The winds prevent the firefighting planes and helicopters from being effective.
According to a local witness who spoke to Skai radio at 8:15 am, the fire has destroyed a precious pine tree forest, the only one on the island. At the same time, the fire is approaching nearby villages.
The villages of Lithi, Mesta and Elata have been evacuated as a precaution, as two houses burnt down by the fire. Regional Governor Christiana Kalogirou has called a state of emergency.
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