A wildfire at Dervenohoria, raging since 10:40 pm on Saturday, noted a resurgence on Monday afternoon due to a change in wind direction causing it to spread towards a forest area. The fire is currently raging between the villages of Prasino and Stefani and is moving towards Oinoi, at the northern part of West Attica. Wind velocity is at 4 beaufort, however changing wind directions are making it difficult for the fire brigade to bring the flames under control. The village of Panaktos Viotia — where the Pyrkal ammunition and explosives factory is located — is 4.5-5 kilometers west of the fire.
There are 138 firefighters with 66 trucks and 16 specially equipped fire engines of the local government currently in the region battling with flames. Six helicopters and four planes are also hovering over the region. Firefighters are battling with the flames on foot, whereas parts of the military have been deployed at burnt areas to put out smaller fires and dig trenches to help control the fire.
No populated zones have been under threat so far, but the ongoing wildfire has scorched large sections of a pine forest.
An investigation into the cause of the fire is continuing with arson suspected. Another investigation is examining the reasons why a Canadair water bomber, which was participating in the operation, was forced to make an emergency landing on Sunday.
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