A fire that broke out over the main town of Chios island and is now out of control has led to messages for evacuation of several towns through the 112 emergency number service on Sunday.

According to the Fire Department, the fire broke out around 11:40 in the Kofinas area and is moving south. An initial 112 message was sent to residents of the area to be on alert. The first 112 message for evacuation was sent around 12:30 to residents of Paryfes, Yalourika, Panagia Voithia, asking them to head to the center of Chios proper. A second message was sent to residents of Aghios Panteleimonas and Kastrominas to evacuate and also head to Chios proper. The residents of Aghios Makarios Vrontadou also received a 112 message to evacuate and head to the Vrontados beach.

Some 32 firefighters, a ground team, 11 fire trucks, 2 airplanes and 2 helicopters are involved in putting the fire out.