Greek island pleads for refugee evacuations after fire

Migrants watch a large fire as it burns inside the Moria refugee camp on the northeastern Greek island of Lesbos, late Monday, Sept. 19. 2016. Greek police say a large fire has swept through a big camp for refugees and other migrants on the eastern Aegean island of Lesbos, forcing its evacuation. None of the more than 4,000 people in the Moria camp was reported injured in Monday's blaze, which damaged tents and prefabricated housing units. (AP Photo/Michael Schwarz) Migrants watch a large fire as it burns inside the Moria refugee camp on the northeastern Greek island of Lesbos, late Monday, Sept. 19. 2016. Greek police say a large fire has swept through a big camp for refugees and other migrants on the eastern Aegean island of Lesbos, forcing its evacuation. None of the more than 4,000 people in the Moria camp was reported injured in Monday's blaze, which damaged tents and prefabricated housing units. (AP Photo/Michael Schwarz)

By Associated Press September 20, 2016 2 min read

ATHENS, Greece (AP) – Authorities of the island of Lesbos are calling for the immediate evacuation of thousands of refugees to the Greek mainland after a fire gutted a detention camp following protests. Nine migrants suspected of starting fire have been arrested, authorities said Tuesday.

Regional governor Christiana Kalogirou said she had repeatedly warned the government that camps on the east Aegean Sea islands were dangerously overcrowded.

More than 4,000 people were housed at the camp at Moria on Lesbos where fire which broke out late Monday destroyed or damaged tents and trailers. There were no reports of any migrants being injured.

The nine migrants were arrested on public disturbance charges after the chaotic scenes at the camp, about 8 kilometers (5 miles) north of the island’s main town.

Families with young children hastily packed up their belongings and fled into the nearby fields as the fire raged. Many were later given shelter a volunteer-run camps.