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Forest fires on Chios: villages evacuated and flames threaten MASTIX regions!
Forest fires on Chios led to the evacuation of several villages. Fire brigade fights against flames, which are subjected to strong winds.
Forest fires on Chios: villages evacuated and flames threaten MASTIX regions!
On the Greek Aegean Island of Chios, firefighters have been fighting against devastating forest fires for two days, which have forced several villages to evacuate. Around 190 emergency services are mobilized, supported by six aircraft and reinforced extinguishing vehicles. This situation is particularly tense, as strong gusts of wind make the extinguishing work difficult and the flames make the flames, as reported.
The fire is hypothetically raging on three fronts, which makes it difficult for the firefighters to gain control. Around 17 towns and a reception camp for migrants had to be evacuated. While tourists are not in danger, many residents are forced to leave their houses, and there were power failures in some areas. The emergency services have focused on the protection of regions known for their mastic production, a natural resin that is growing primarily on Chios, confirms the German Welle.
The dangers of climate change
In recent years,Greece has been severely affected by forest fires, some of which are due to human failure. According to a study, climatic changes contributed significantly to the frequency and intensity of these fires. Experts find that most of the forest and bush fires in Greece are caused by humans and climate change has increased the effects, as Zeit.de emphasizes.
To meet the challenges, Greece has invested hundreds of million euros in modern fire service equipment in recent years. A record number of firefighters was stopped for this year's fire season in order to counteract the increasing threat from fires. Despite these efforts, the economic and ecological consequences are significant, especially in the south of the country, where damage occurs repeatedly from fire.
The fate of mastic production
The security and future of mastix production on Chios is particularly vulnerable. The unique pistachio plant, which thrives on the island, is not only an important raw material for the local economy, but also plays an important role in the cultural traditions of the villagers. In the past, especially at the devastating fires in 2010, almost half of the mastix grove were destroyed, which endangered the livelihood of many residents.
local politicians express the suspicion of arson because the fires broke out at the same time. Investigators are on site to clarify the causes. The continuous clashes with apparently arbitrary fires throw a worrying light on fire fighting and the need for preventive handling of the climatic challenges.