Fire Razes Mastic Crop on Greek Island of Chios
- 12 years ago
A wildfire that has been burning for three days on the Greek Island of Chios has devastated thousands of acres of forest.
The fire which started on Saturday has burnt out half of this years crop of Mastic gum, and it is still burning out of control.
Hundreds of firefighters and soldiers with the aid of helicopters are battling the fire, but they are being hindered by gale force winds fanning the flames.
Mastic gum trees are unique to this island and are the main source of income for the people of Chios.
Mastic produced from these trees is used to make everything from chewing gum to soaps to liquor, bringing in an annual revenue of over 18 million US dollars.
It will take the islanders five to seven years to re-establish Mastic production from new plantings.
August is the beginning of the harvest season, and the loss of these orchards threatens many islanders livelihoods.
Thousands of olive trees and pines have also been destroyed by the fire, which has so far scorched a 16 mile trail to the coast.
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The fire which started on Saturday has burnt out half of this years crop of Mastic gum, and it is still burning out of control.
Hundreds of firefighters and soldiers with the aid of helicopters are battling the fire, but they are being hindered by gale force winds fanning the flames.
Mastic gum trees are unique to this island and are the main source of income for the people of Chios.
Mastic produced from these trees is used to make everything from chewing gum to soaps to liquor, bringing in an annual revenue of over 18 million US dollars.
It will take the islanders five to seven years to re-establish Mastic production from new plantings.
August is the beginning of the harvest season, and the loss of these orchards threatens many islanders livelihoods.
Thousands of olive trees and pines have also been destroyed by the fire, which has so far scorched a 16 mile trail to the coast.
For more news and videos visit ➡ http://english.ntdtv.com
Follow us on Twitter ➡ http://twitter.com/NTDTelevision
Add us on Facebook ➡ http://on.fb.me/s5KV2C