Wildfire in dense forest near Mouzaki, Ilia contained after 105 firefighters and 9 aerial means deployed
A wildfire erupted at approximately 17:00 on Sunday 9 August in a dense forest near the village of Mouzaki in the municipality of Pyrgos, Ilia, Greece. Firefighting forces were reinforced to 105 firefighters with 28 vehicles and 9 aerial means, and by evening the situation had improved with no immediate threat to inhabited areas.
Outbreak and initial response
A wildfire broke out at approximately 17:00 on Sunday 9 August 2026 in a forest area at Mouzaki, in the municipality of Pyrgos, Ilia, western Greece. The Fire Operations Center was notified around that time. The area was classified at high fire risk (category 3) that day. The fire is burning in dense forest, described in one report as pine woodland. The initial deployment consisted of 42 firefighters with two foot patrol teams of the 18th EMODE, 10 vehicles, three aircraft and one helicopter. Water tankers from the municipality of Pyrgos assisted from the start.
- Fire breaks out in forest area at Mouzaki, municipality of Pyrgos, Ilia; Fire Operations Center notified
- 42 firefighters with 2 foot patrol teams of 18th EMODE, 10 vehicles, 3 aircraft and 1 helicopter deployed
- Forces reinforced to 105 firefighters, 3 EMODE teams, 28 vehicles (5 from Czech Republic), 7 aircraft, 2 helicopters
- Deputy regional governor reports improved picture; village of Mouzaki not threatened as fire front not near inhabited area
Reinforcement of forces
As the fire continued, firefighting forces were significantly reinforced. The deployment grew to 105 firefighters with three foot patrol teams of the 18th EMODE and 28 vehicles, five of which came from the Czech Republic. Aerial assets were increased to seven aircraft and two helicopters, with at least nine aerial means operating until the last light of day. The Regional Unit of Ilia contributed approximately 14 to 15 construction machines and water tankers. Residents also entered fields to create firebreaks with tractors and hoes.
- Firefighters
- 42
- Vehicles
- 10
- Aircraft
- 3
- Helicopters
- 1
- Firefighters
- 105
- Vehicles
- 28
- Aircraft
- 7
- Helicopters
- 2
Conditions on the ground
The fire front, initially located before the entrance of the village in forested land, moved from the Mouzaki area towards the borders with Karatoula, in the Fonika area. Local media reported that flames had approached the entrance of the village. An encouraging factor cited by multiple sources is the absence of strong winds, with one report noting calm conditions. No 112 emergency alert was sent, but a recommendation was issued for the preventive evacuation of Mouzaki residents.
Situation improves by evening
By the evening, the deputy regional governor of Ilia, Nikos Korovesis, reported an improved picture. He stated that the village of Mouzaki is not currently at risk, as the main fire front is not near inhabited areas.
Until now it does not appear that the village of Mouzaki is in danger, as the main front of the fire is not located near the first houses of the community.
He added that strong ground firefighting forces would continue operating throughout the night. The fire department is creating firebreak zones with construction machinery in an effort to halt the fire front.
Investigation
The Arson Investigation Team of Ilia was mobilised to investigate the causes and circumstances of the wildfire. Firefighting forces continue operations at the site, aiming to contain the front and fully extinguish the fire.
