Greece, already under extreme financial pressure, is facing a major blow to several agricultural industries due to a major wildfire raging on the island of Chios.

The fire began on Saturday and has been driven by gale force winds. The out of control blaze has burned over 16,000 acres of forest and farmland. Residents of nine villages have been evacuated due to the blaze.

The fire threatens forest that is the home of trees which produce mastic, a natural, gum-like resin with a unique flavor. The substance is used in chewing gum, cooking spice or in pharmaceutical manufacturing. It’s a major source of income for the island and the nation.

Soldiers and volunteers have joined firefighters in trying to stop the fire. Firefighting planes and helicopters have been brought in to fight the flames.

Requests have been made to Italy and Spain to help fight the fires.