A 35-year-old Georgian woman employed as a housekeeper was arrested on Tuesday in connection with a series of devastating wildfires that have scorched over 11,000 acres on the island of Chios this week, Greek authorities confirmed. The woman reportedly admitted to discarding a lit cigarette, which ignited one of the five separate fires that broke out on Sunday, rapidly spreading across the island’s forests and agricultural land.
The wildfires, which forced the evacuation of more than a dozen communities including Kofina, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios, have caused significant damage to the island’s natural environment and local economy. Chios is famous for its rare mastic trees, whose resin is used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and beverages. Fortunately, officials noted that damage to the mastic cultivation was relatively limited despite the scale of the fires.
Firefighters from across Greece were dispatched to Chios, with over 440 personnel, 85 vehicles, 13 helicopters, and 4 aircraft engaged in battling the flames. The firefighting efforts were complicated by strong north winds and high temperatures, typical of Greece’s increasingly severe wildfire seasons exacerbated by climate change. The government declared a state of emergency on June 23 as the fires continued to rage, with authorities issuing multiple evacuation orders to protect residents and tourists alike.
Greek officials are treating the fires as a serious criminal matter, with the Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis stating that the pattern of multiple simultaneous fires suggested possible arson. Police presence on the island was increased, and military patrols doubled to prevent further incidents.
The fires have left a lasting impact on Chios, with satellite imagery showing extensive burned areas and thick smoke plumes visible from space. Local residents have been actively assisting firefighting teams, while officials continue monitoring the situation closely to prevent any resurgence of flames.
As Greece approaches the peak of its wildfire season, the Chios fires serve as a stark reminder of the growing threat posed by climate change and human negligence. Authorities have pledged to pursue all leads rigorously and hold those responsible accountable, emphasizing that arson is a grave crime with severe consequences.
The arrested housekeeper remains in custody as investigations continue into the origins of the other fires that broke out across the island. Meanwhile, firefighting teams persist in their efforts to fully extinguish the remaining hotspots and assist displaced residents in recovery.
Sources: New York Times, Sky News
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