A Georgian woman is set to appear in court charged with unintentional arson after allegedly starting a wildfire on Chios by carelessly discarding a cigarette. The fire brigade confirmed she confessed to starting one of several wildfires on the island, which has led to an emergency declaration. More than 400 firefighters, assisted by volunteers and aircraft, are battling the blazes, which have spread rapidly due to strong winds. Concerns about possible deliberate ignitions have also arisen as multiple fires began simultaneously.
The unidentified woman, employed as a housekeeper on Chios, confessed to accidentally igniting a wildfire by negligently discarding a cigarette.
With the wildfires still not under control, officials raised the concern that some of the blazes might have been started deliberately, given their simultaneous eruptions.
Authorities have declared a state of emergency as over 400 firefighters and volunteers are working tirelessly to battle the wildfires across Chios.
Efforts are concentrated on preventing the flames from reaching 14th-century mastic villages, which are significant for their historical and economic value.
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