Konitsa: Nine days of wildfires – Monks on the front line (VIDEO)

The major wildfire on Mount Trapezitsa in Konitsa has now been burning for nine days. Amid the difficult battle being fought on the mountain each day, one thing that stands out is the presence of people who have chosen to stand alongside the firefighting forces and help in any way they can.

Particularly notable is the presence of monks from the area, who have left their monasteries and headed into the mountains to assist in efforts to bring the fire under control. It is a moving sight: amid the exceptionally difficult conditions of recent days, they too are taking part in the remarkable collective effort that has mobilized across Konitsa.

The Konitsa Youth Volunteer Team has also maintained a constant presence on the front line. Young people from the area are out in the field every day, volunteering wherever they are needed and supporting the massive operation currently underway on Mount Trapezitsa.

Their efforts are part of the broader mobilization that has unfolded over the past several days. Firefighters, specialist forest firefighting units, volunteers, forestry cooperatives, the Konitsa Mountaineering Club and the Red Cross have all rallied to support Konitsa, each…