A WILDFIRE has raged across a Greek island forcing residents to evacuate.
The fire, which erupted below the Pangia Voitheia Monastery on Chios Island, Greece on Sunday, has continued to burn and spread due to powerful winds forcing residents to evacuate.
ReutersFiremen work to extinguish a wildfire fanned by strong winds[/caption]
ReutersFirefighters were deployed to contain the blaze[/caption]
ReutersResidents were evacuated from their homes to avoid the spreading fire[/caption]
Over 100 firefighters are working to put out the blaze, while 11 helicopters helping put out the flames from above.
Emergency services have been deployed to ensure the safety of residents as authorities urge locals to comply with evacuation demands.
Multiple evacuation orders have been issued throughout the day with residents in Karyes urged to evacuate toward the main town of Chios.
According to the Hellenic Fire Department, fire erupted in Kofinas, Agia Anna, and Agios Makarios in Vrontados within one hour.
Other affected areas include Agios Makarios in Vrontados, Agios Panteleimonas, Kastrominas, Paryfes, Gialourika, and Panagia Voitheia.
An urgent investigation has been launched into the cause of the blaze with authorities concerned it was a deliberate arson attack.
A specialised arson task force is currently on its way to the island, who will work with Greece’s police state security division to work out the cause of the fires.
The extent of the damage is still being assessed but officers warn strong winds could cause the fire to spread through the night.
The department has deployed water tankers and heavy machinery to help contain the fire, while a further 35 personnel and five vehicles have been called to support with the operation.
EPAMultiple evacuation orders have been issued throughout the day[/caption]
EPAA Canadair plane and firefighting helicopter[/caption]
EPAThick smoke rises as a wildfire burns forested land next to residential areas on Chios Island[/caption]
EPAA Canadair plane drops water over a wildfire on Chios Island[/caption]