In June 2025, the Greek island of Chios experienced extensive wildfires, causing significant damage to the environment and infrastructure. After three days of intense firefighting, the blaze, which affected approximately 6,200 hectares, or about 7% of the island's total area, was brought under control.
The fires broke out in several areas near the island's main city, Chios. Authorities issued evacuation recommendations for several villages, with tourists evacuated from a hotel on the coast in Lithi. The fires caused power outages, which also affected water supplies.
Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers were on the scene, with helicopters monitoring the situation. Civil Protection Minister Yannis Kefalojannis stated that authorities are investigating the possibility of arson, as the fires broke out simultaneously in multiple locations. The risk of wildfires is also present in other parts of Greece during this period, especially in the southern part of the Peloponnese peninsula, around Athens, or on the islands of Euboea and Lesbos.