(Image: EPA)A ferocious wildfire that sparked beneath the Pangia Voitheia Monastery on Greece’s Chios Island on Sunday continues to rage and spread.
The intensity of the fires has forced locals to evacuate as strong winds fan the various wildfires.
More than 100 firefighters are struggling to tame the blaze, supported by 11 helicopters dumping water from above.
Emergency services are striving to protect residents, with authorities stressing the importance of following all evacuation orders.
Multiple alerts have been sent out throughout the day, directing people in Karyes to move towards the main town of Chios, reports the Mirror.
The Hellenic Fire Department has confirmed that fires also erupted in Kofinas, Agia Anna and Agios Makarios in Vrontados within a single hour.
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Other affected areas include Agios Makarios in Vrontados, Agios Panteleimonas, Kastrominas, Paryfes, Gialourika and Panagia Voitheia, according to the Express.
An immediate probe into the fire’s origin has been launched.
Authorities suspect the fires may have been deliberately set.
A specialist arson team is heading to the island to work with Greece’s police state security division in determining the cause.
Officials warn that evaluating the full extent of the damage will take time.
They caution that powerful winds could drive the fire further overnight.
Water tankers and heavy machinery have also been sent to the site, reinforced by an additional 35 firefighters and five vehicles dispatched to assist in battling the blaze.