Firefighters battle to prevent wildfire in western Greece from reaching protected Strofilia Forest

Firefighting forces worked through the night to contain a wildfire that broke out Tuesday afternoon in Vouprasio, in the Achaia region of western Greece, aiming to prevent its spread to a nearby protected nature reserve. 

The blaze is tearing through grasslands and reeds, raising serious concerns about its potential to reach the Strofilia Forest - a unique coastal ecosystem with rare umbrella-shaped pines.

Currently, 135 firefighters, along with eight ground units and 37 vehicles, are battling the flames. Their efforts are bolstered by two firefighting planes making continuous water drops. 

However, strong north and northeast winds in the area, reaching up to four Beaufort, are complicating containment efforts, with forecasts predicting increased wind intensity by the afternoon.