Overview
- On Chios, flames that began June 22 scorched over 6,200 hectares—about 7 percent of the island—and were largely contained by June 25, though crews remain to prevent flare-ups.
- A wildfire that broke out June 26 near Palaia Fokaia south of Athens prompted evacuations of five villages and highway closures before being brought under control by June 27.
- High temperatures approaching 40°C (104°F) and northerly winds have maintained a “high” Level 4 wildfire danger across the Attica region and northern Aegean islands.
- Authorities arrested a Georgian national on Chios on unintentional arson charges after an alleged cigarette discard ignited one of the major fires.
- Greece’s Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Ministry has received EU support and deployed aerial assets alongside its expanded 18,000-strong firefighting force.