Firefighters battle eighth day of Trapezitsa wildfire near Konitsa in north-western Greece

Ground operations and terrain challenges

Firefighting forces in north-western Greece entered their eighth consecutive day of operations on Monday, 7 September 2026, attempting to contain a forest fire on Mount Trapezitsa near Konitsa. The fire service deployed 150 firefighters, 48 vehicles, and 10 specialized pedestrian forestry units drawn from the 1st, 2nd, 5th, 6th, and 10th EMODE divisions. Operations face severe obstacles caused by steep mountainous terrain, dense virgin woodland, and deep gorges after flames spread into the Aoos ravine.

Aerial operations resumed at first light on Monday with three helicopters dropping water over remote sectors, with additional aircraft scheduled to join the effort later in the day. On Sunday, 6 September, a total of 12 aerial units operated over the zone, while 13 different aircraft, including Canadair and Air Tractor planes alongside helicopters, have participated at various points across the response. In multiple sectors, dense tree canopies have prevented water dropped from aircraft from reaching the forest floor.

Fire progression and municipal alert

The fire ignited on 31 August 2026 in an inaccessible, precipitous area following lightning activity. Although temporary rainfall in preceding days brought a brief reduction in flame intensity, scattered hot spots remained active beneath the canopy and subsequently reignited across dry forest sections. Rather than forming a single continuous wall of fire, the incident consists of multiple scattered fronts burning across remote ridges.

Authorities issued an emergency 112 alert to Konitsa residents and nearby areas at approximately 21:30 on Sunday evening, instructing the local population to remain on standby and follow official instructions as heavy smoke drifted over the settlement. Greek Fire Service Officers Association president Kostas Tsigkas assessed the operational status during a broadcast interview on Monday morning.

Today is a pivotal day.

Tsigkas added that the flank advancing toward the town of Konitsa represents the rear section of the blaze and carries reduced intensity. The most active front continues to advance northward. Konitsa Civil Protection representative Giorgos Mitsos noted that shifting winds have reduced the direct danger to urban structures.

The fire started from lightning and now the wind has turned and it is not heading towards the town.

Inter-agency coordination and equipment deployment

Regional authorities and civic groups have mobilized auxiliary equipment and personnel to support professional fire crews. A contingent of 30 volunteers from four Epirus forestry cooperatives (Distrato, Rombolo, and Pogoni) and the Konitsa Mountaineering Club are assisting on the ground. A specialized drone unit operated by the Region of Epirus is conducting aerial surveillance to track active hot spots across the rugged terrain.

Heavy machinery is working to establish defensive lines along forest perimeters. The Region of Epirus and the Municipality of Konitsa have supplied six water tankers and three earthmoving machines to support ground units. The Hellenic Armed Forces deployed an additional earthmoving machine to open firebreaks and prevent the northern perimeter from expanding further into the surrounding landscape.