Wildfires have continued to rage on the Aegean island of Chios for a second consecutive day, with dozens of firefighters working tirelessly to contain the blaze. Strong winds have worsened the situation, making it increasingly difficult to control the flames. Several villages on the island have been evacuated as a precautionary measure, with residents being urged to leave their homes to avoid the danger posed by the fires.
The fires have raised concerns about the island’s primary economic product—mastic resin. This natural product, extracted from the mastic tree, is a vital source of income for locals and has been cultivated for centuries. The threat of the fires damaging the mastic trees could have significant repercussions for the island’s economy, as well as the livelihoods of those who depend on its production. Authorities are working to assess the extent of the damage and have warned that the situation could worsen in the coming days.
Local officials have expressed alarm over the spread of the fires, with officials noting that the situation is more severe than previously anticipated. Efforts to prevent the fires from spreading further are ongoing, and additional resources are being requested from both national and international agencies. With the island’s unique ecosystem at risk, the focus is now on minimizing the damage and supporting affected communities in the aftermath of the crisis.