Firefighters Battle to Protect Greece's Strofilia Forest from Advancing Wildfire

Firefighters worked overnight to contain a wildfire that erupted Tuesday afternoon in Vouprasio, Achaia, aiming to prevent its spread to the nearby Strofilia Forest, a protected natural reserve in western Greece.

Strofilia Forest, renowned for its rare, umbrella-shaped pine trees and unique coastal ecosystem, remains at risk as the blaze advances through surrounding grasslands and reeds.

A force of 135 firefighters, supported by eight ground units and 37 vehicles, is actively battling the flames, with two firefighting planes conducting continuous water drops to slow the fire’s progress. Despite their efforts, containment is being hindered by strong north and northeast winds, reaching up to four Beaufort, with forecasts warning of even stronger winds later in the day.

Firefighting authorities remain on high alert as the risk to Strofilia Forest heightens.