The head forester of Alexandroupolis, Giorgos Pistolas, wanted to to highlight the unsung heroes who worked tirelessly at the front for day and night and managed to save a large area.

The loggers of the Forestry Labor Cooperatives (DASE) of Sidirohori and Petrolofoupeople with considerable experience and knowledge of the forest, worked six days and nights to be able to stop the progress of the fire.

“In the great fire of Evros, these people, with the guidance and support of two forest officials (a forester and a forester) and the support of sometimes one and sometimes two fire engines, managed to create a containment zone on the axis Kallithea – Sanidohori (Tahtajik) intersection – Koutra hill – Treis Vryses and even further, in a length of more than 10 kilometerssaid the forester.

They had no special equipment, only tree branches and a jigsaw, they did not wear a mask, but also glasses to protect themselves from the smoke. Their knowledge of the mountain, however, proved to be their most important weapon.

“They were continuously at the front of the fire for six days and nights, 20 people in shifts, with the forest officials and the fire engine always nearby».

Due to their efforts, the spread of the fire was stopped in the axis where they attempted and thus “productive forest of at least 100,000 hectares was saved”.

According to Mr. Pistola, “of these people, few will speak“, but emphasized that the “local forest workers, who have been active in our mountains for many years, know both the peculiarities of each region and the way they should react to difficult situations».

“These people, unfortunately, decrease year by year and look for other places of work. We need them, it is our duty to support them to stay where they are and do what they should, what they know well for years».