The Fire Brigade evacuated Lithi, Mesta and Elata as a precaution. A state of emergency has been declared on the island.
The fire is burning farmland, pine and mastic trees in southern Chios near the villages of Vessa and Lithio. According to Chios mayor Manolis Vournos the blaze reached the village of Elata and some residents left the village to protect themselves from the thick smoke.
A large firefighting contingent was dispatched to Vessa, in the northern part of the island, to contain the blaze. A total of 38 firefighters, manning 16 engines, were participating in the operation along with 40 volunteers, aided by six helicopters.
Canadair water-dropping helicopters had not been able to operate by late morning due to the strong winds.