Konitsa wildfire threatens forest that ‘hasn't burned since the 1940s'

A wildfire that broke out near Trapezitsa, close to Konitsa in northwestern Greece, has been burning for a week, with authorities expressing optimism that it will soon be brought under control. The fire, which is believed to have been sparked by lightning on August 31, has burned an estimated 620 hectares. While the affected area is relatively limited, the blaze has impacted the Aoos Gorge ecosystem and a dense forest that reportedly has not burned since the 1940s. The full extent of the damage cannot yet be assessed. The fire has moved away from Konitsa, with only isolated smoke visible near the settlement. After being considered under control following three days of firefighting, including assistance from a storm, the blaze flared up again on Friday on a slope opposite Stomio Monastery. Its main front was later reported in the Aoos Gorge, at the Stomio area. Forestry officials said the fire has spread across extremely steep, sometimes near-vertical terrain that is inaccessible to firefighting crews. In some areas, it has mainly burned low vegetation, while in others it has intensified and damaged trees. 'Our elders tell us that this forest hasn't burned since the '40s. But it was never cleared; it was dense and, because of the slope, impassable. It's very difficult to put out a fire there,' said Kostas Tziallas, owner of a small production unit in the area. Authorities are particularly concerned about the fire's passage through the Aoos Gorge, an area known for its exceptional natural beauty and biodiversity. Firefighting operations on Monday involved 48 vehicles, 150 firefighters, seven aerial units, hiking teams from four forest commando units, known as EMODE, regional civil protection forces, military personnel and volunteers.