Major wildfire breaks out in İskeçe as crews battle flames from air and ground

A wildfire broke out in the Kayalar area of İskeçe on Thursday, prompting a large-scale firefighting operation as authorities worked to prevent the flames from spreading to denser vegetation and nearby forested areas.

A major firefighting operation is underway in Kayalar (Petrochori) in İskeçe, Western Thrace, after a fire broke out Thursday afternoon.

According to initial reports, the fire started in an area of low vegetation south and west of a shooting range. Authorities raised the alarm over the possibility of the flames spreading toward areas with denser vegetation and forestland.

Dozens of firefighters and aircraft deployed
An initial response included 18 firefighters, a team from the 7th Special Forest Firefighting Unit (7th EMODE), three firefighting vehicles, three water-dropping aircraft and a helicopter.

As the operation was reinforced, the number of personnel on the ground increased to 32 firefighters and two foot teams, supported by eight firefighting vehicles.

The aerial operation was also expanded, with seven firefighting aircraft and two helicopters deployed to assist ground crews in containing the flames.

Water tankers belonging to the Topiros Municipality are also supporting the firefighting operation, while vehicles and heavy machinery from the Hellenic Army have been deployed to assist crews.

Fire not currently threatening residential areas
The cause of the fire has not yet been determined.

Firefighters are focusing primarily on preventing the flames from reaching denser vegetation and forested areas. According to the latest information, the fire has not threatened residential areas so far.

Ground and aerial firefighting operations remain ongoing as crews work to bring the blaze under control.