The Greek island of Chios is currently being hit by wildfires, forcing the island to declare a state of emergency. Chios, being a popular holiday destination due to its pristine beaches and rich architectural history, and many tourists are preparing to travel to the island this summer. We looked into whether or not you should cancel your holiday plans.
Since Sunday, 22 June 2025, wildfires have been raging their way through Chios. Although some 444 firefighters, 85 11 helicopters and 2 water-dropping planes have been deployed to combat the flames, the fire is making its way through forest and agricultural land, and people are being evacuated from their homes all throughout the island.
Some 444 firefighters, assisted by 14 helicopters and four planes, have been deployed to contain wildfires at different locations on the Greek island of Chios after the island declared a state of emergency https://t.co/K2VLFTytTR pic.twitter.com/JBsaRZnXJ7
— Reuters (@Reuters) June 24, 2025
Chios – located near the western coastline of Turkey – isn’t just a popular holiday destination, it’s also one of the only places in the world to grow mastic trees. Those trees produce resin and are the most important industry on the island, vital for its economy. Firefighters are thus doing extra efforts to prevent the fire from reaching the trees, yet that is not an easy task.
Holidaymakers & locals have been forced to flee after three separate blazes erupted below the Pangia Voitheia Monastery on Chios Island, Greece, Monday morning.
— Mr Pål Christiansen (@TheNorskaPaul) June 23, 2025
A major investigation has been launched as it’s believe the fires could have been deliberate with dozens of firemen… pic.twitter.com/HXKPHczBy4
“We are faced with simultaneous fires in multiple, geographically unconnected parts of the island, a pattern that cannot be considered coincidental,” the Greek Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Giannis Kefalogiannis said on Monday, stating authorities are investigating the cause of the fires.
As authorities are examining the possibility of arson, police forces on the island have been reinforced, and military patrols have been doubled. Kefalogiannis said that in case of premeditated actions, people will be led to court and their actions will be considered as a serious crime.
🔥 Dramatic scenes from the Greek island of Chios yesterday. Flames tore through the area, destroying homes, fields, and cars pic.twitter.com/Ek05udMIFK
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) June 24, 2025
Travel advice
At the moment, there seems to be no official advice against travelling to the island, despite the wildfires. The foreign travel advice from the UK for Greece warns, however, against wildfires in general.
“There is a high risk of wildfires during the summer season from April to October. Ensure that your mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts to be warned of wildfires near your location. Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly. Causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece – even if unintentional. If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112,” the UK’s travel advice reads.
Yesterdays satellite view of the fires on the Greek Island of Chios 👀
— Volcaholic 🌋 (@volcaholic1) June 24, 2025
📷 Kosmi on 🦋 pic.twitter.com/UH1lYu4OTM
Despite the state of emergency on the island, Chios’ airport is functioning normally at the moment. Tourists could thus still decide to travel to the island, especially since most airlines and tour operators don’t offer full refunds unless an official negative travel advice has been issued. If you plan on travelling to the island over the coming days or weeks, you are advised to follow the Greek fire safety instructions, follow 112 Greece on X, and enable emergency alerts on your phone.
During the Summer months, wildfires have been a common sight in Greece, which is suffering from the consequences of climate change. In 2023, Greece suffered the largest wildfires in the EU since the start of records and every year, the Greek government issues a wildfire warning as the first heatwaves hit the country.
