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🇬🇷 Greece /Environment & Climate

Forest fire in Konitsa burns out of control for eighth day as 170 firefighters respond

From Ta Nea · () Greek

Translated from Greek and summarized by DistantNews. Read the original for the full story.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • A large forest fire in Trapezitsa, Konitsa, Greece, remained out of control for an eighth day after starting on August 31.
  • The fire has destroyed a large area of virgin forest and reached the Aoos ravine, while difficult terrain is hampering ground crews.
  • Some 170 firefighters, aircraft, vehicles, volunteers and forest cooperatives are taking part in the firefighting operation, as authorities urge residents to avoid the affected area.

The forest fire at Trapezitsa in Konitsa entered its eighth day still burning out of control, despite sustained firefighting efforts. The blaze began on Monday, August 31, 2026, and has already destroyed a large area of virgin forest before advancing into the Aoos ravine.

Aircraft returned to the operation at first light, joining ground crews facing major difficulties in reaching the fire because of the area’s rugged terrain. The Konitsa municipality said the civil protection mechanism remains on full alert and urged residents to stay calm and avoid unnecessary travel toward the affected zone.

Authorities issued particular warnings to people with respiratory or heart conditions. They advised them to remain indoors with windows and doors tightly closed and air conditioners set to recirculate air, or to leave the area in good time if possible.

George Mitsos of Konitsa Civil Protection told Ant1 that the operation was large and coordinated. “The fire started with lightning, and the wind has now shifted away from the city,” he said.

The operation includes 170 firefighters, 10 foot teams from five specialized units, 45 firefighting water tankers and 20 support vehicles. Nine forest-firefighting teams, comprising 53 people, are also involved. Thirty volunteers from four forestry cooperatives in Epirus, Distrato, Rombolo and Pogonio, along with members of the Konitsa Mountaineering Club, are assisting the response.

The fire started with lightning, and the wind has now shifted away from the city.

· George MitsosThe Konitsa Civil Protection official described the fire’s reported origin and the change in wind direction during remarks to Ant1.
About this summary

Originally published by Ta Nea in Greek. Translated, summarized, and contextualized automatically by DistantNews, with a note on how the source frames the story. Not individually reviewed before publishing. How this works.

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