Monks from monasteries around the Greek town of Konitsa have joined firefighters and volunteers battling a major forest fire that has been burning on Mount Trapezitsa for the past 10 days.

The monks have been helping to contain the blaze and carrying out firefighting operations in difficult-to-reach mountainous areas, according to the Orthodoxia News Agency. Orthodox churches and monasteries in the affected area have reportedly escaped damage.

As of September 9, the situation has improved significantly, with the number of active fire spots sharply reduced. The flames no longer form a single continuous front, although the fire has not yet been completely extinguished because of the area's steep slopes, deep ravines and dense forest.

The fire broke out on August 31, apparently after a lightning strike. It spread through remote sections of Mount Trapezitsa and reached the gorge of the Aoos River.

At the height of the emergency, around 170 firefighters, specialized forest-fire units, dozens of vehicles and firefighting aircraft were involved in the operation.

The blaze developed on a slope opposite the historic Monastery of Stomiou, a Holy Dormition monastery associated with Saint Paisios of Mount Athos. Local monks have played a notable role in the response, heading into the mountains to assist professional firefighters and volunteers on the front lines.

A youth volunteer group from Konitsa has also been working alongside them on a daily basis. According to the Greek outlet Epirusgate, the firefighting effort has brought together professional firefighters, forestry workers, volunteers, the Red Cross, mountaineering clubs and local residents.