Mouzaki wildfire in Ilia enters recession after intense firefighting

A large wildfire broke out on Sunday afternoon, August 9, in a forested area near the village of Mouzaki in the Pyrgos Municipality, Ilia. The fire, which ignited around 17:00, initially moved toward the village but was contained by firefighting efforts.

Emergency responders deployed 105 firefighters, three hiking teams from the 18th EMODE, and 28 vehicles. The aerial operation included seven aircraft and two helicopters. Notably, the response was bolstered by 25 firefighters and five vehicles from the Czech Republic, participating through the European Union's pre-positioning program.

By nightfall, the situation had entered a phase of recession, though crews remained on high alert to prevent reignition. Initial estimates suggest the fire burned between 600 and 800 stremmata of forest and agricultural land. Local residents also assisted by creating firebreaks using agricultural machinery.

Nikos Korovesis, the Vice Regional Governor of Ilia, stated that the village of Mouzaki was not under immediate threat as the front remained distant from residential areas. An investigation by the Ilia Arson Crimes Unit has been launched to determine the cause of the fire.