Major wildfire flare-up in Konitsa prompts emergency readiness alert

Firefighting forces are on full alert after a major flare-up in the Trapezitsa area near Konitsa, where the blaze is burning in particularly inaccessible, heavily forested terrain.

The response includes 150 firefighters, six forest-firefighting teams and 48 vehicles. Twelve aircraft are also operating from the air, including eight planes and four helicopters.

Large amounts of smoke are rising from ravines and being carried forcefully toward the surrounding area. Authorities sent a message through Greece's 112 emergency alert system, asking residents in the Konitsa area to remain ready and take self-protection measures.