ALEXANDROUPOLIS, Greece — A major wildfire that broke out in an area of forest near the Melia settlement in the municipality of Alexandroupolis was still burning on Wednesday, with flames continuing to advance in a forest between the settlements of Melia and Nipsa.

Four firefighting aircraft started operating in the area at first light, assisted by 24 fire engines crewed by 61 fire fighters, four groups of firefighters on foot and other machinery. The fire, which broke out on Tuesday evening, spread very fast due to strong winds that continue to blow in the area, making firefighting efforts difficult.

The head forester of Alexandroupolis, Giorgos Pistolas, said that "there was a huge effort during the night to intercept the blaze that was threatening the settlement of Nipsa. The strong winds were constantly changing direction and made it hard to contain and put out the blaze. After the necessary interventions to widen the existing roads so that they act as a firebreak, the fire was prevented from reaching the settlement of Nipsa, which for the time being is not in danger."