A major wildfire in the mountainous Trapezitsa area near Konitsa in northwestern Greece entered its eighth day on Monday, with firefighters continuing a difficult battle to contain flames that have spread through dense forest and rugged terrain.

The fire broke out on August 31 and has repeatedly intensified in recent days after periods of relative calm. Strong winds and persistent hot spots have contributed to renewed flare-ups, while the steep and largely inaccessible landscape has made it extremely difficult for ground crews to reach some of the affected areas.

As of Monday morning, the wildfire remained uncontrolled, although the situation appeared somewhat more favorable after winds weakened overnight. Firefighters continued working throughout the night, while aircraft returned to the operation with the first light of day.

A major firefighting operation has been deployed to the Trapezitsa area. Recent reports put the number of firefighters at around 150 to 170 personnel, supported by specialized forest-fire units and dozens of firefighting vehicles.

Aerial resources have also been heavily involved. On Sunday, as many as 12 aircraft and helicopters participated in efforts to attack the active fire fronts, with additional aircraft expected to join the operation on Monday. Drone units have been deployed to monitor the fire and provide authorities with a clearer picture of the evolving situation.

The Greek Armed Forces have also provided equipment to assist with the creation of firebreaks, while the regional authorities and the municipality of Konitsa have supplied water tankers and heavy machinery.

The wildfire has already burned a significant area of forest and has advanced into the Aoos Gorge, further complicating efforts to contain it.

Firefighters face particularly difficult conditions in the gorge, where steep slopes, dense vegetation and limited access prevent ground crews from approaching some sections of the fire. Authorities are also working to prevent the flames from advancing toward Konitsa or crossing the Aoos River toward the Tymfi mountain area.

The fire is also threatening forests and protected areas in and around the wider Vikos-Aoos region, raising concerns over the potential environmental impact of the prolonged blaze.

Authorities have issued emergency 112 alerts to residents in the Konitsa area, urging them to remain vigilant and follow instructions from civil protection officials.

Heavy smoke has spread toward the town, prompting authorities to advise residents to keep doors and windows closed. People with respiratory or cardiovascular conditions have been urged to remain indoors in sealed, air-conditioned spaces using recirculated air, or to leave the area if necessary.

The municipality has also urged residents and visitors to avoid unnecessary movement toward the fire zone while emergency services remain engaged in the operation.

Access to the trail leading toward Stomio Monastery has been closed as a precaution because of the fire and heavy smoke.

Greek officials have indicated that the fire was likely triggered by lightning, although the circumstances remain under investigation. The blaze initially appeared to weaken following temporary rainfall, but lingering hot spots later combined with stronger winds to produce significant flare-ups.

Firefighting officials have described Monday as a critical day for the operation, with authorities hoping that weaker winds and the combined efforts of ground crews and aerial units will help prevent further spread.

For now, however, the wildfire remains active, and authorities continue to maintain a high level of readiness as they work to protect Konitsa, surrounding forests and the wider mountainous landscape from further fire damage. (ILKHA)