Fire in Ritsona: How Firefighters Contained the Front and Regained Control – Watch Video

Specialized firefighting units and aerial resources battled fiercely to extinguish a large wildfire that broke out on Monday afternoon (May 19, 2025) in Ritsona. After at least four hours of intense efforts on the front lines, firefighters remain at the scene to prevent any rekindling. In addition to the relentless water drops from aircraft, six canadairs and four helicopters played a crucial role in preventing the fire from spreading further. Equally important were the ground teams with ‘forest commandos’ from the 1st, 4th, and 20th Special Forest Operations Units (EMODE). The ‘forest commandos,’ while the aerial operations were underway, entered the forest from three different points and surrounded the fire, tackling every major and minor blaze that could cause new flare-ups. More than 100 firefighters—many from Chalkida—are still stationed at the site with 27 vehicles, volunteers, and numerous water tankers. Military presence includes work machinery and ambulances.