Chios: Wildfires rage on Greek island

A state of emergency is declared and an arson investigation launched after five separate fires were sparked within hours.

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Residents in 17 communities have been evacuated and an arson investigation has been launched into what caused the different fronts to start is such a short amount of time.

Three forest fires broke out on Sunday in the areas of Kofinas, Agia Anna and Agios Makarios. A fourth blaze erupted shortly after midnight in Agios Markos, followed by a fifth front on Monday morning in Agiasmata.

The blaze has already damaged homes, crops and infrastructure on the Aegean island, with local media reporting that several houses have been destroyed.

There is a moderate high temperature warning on Chios, with highs of about 30C, but it is expected to get hotter toward the end of the week.