Fire On Zakynthos

After the devastating fires on the Greek mainland we have had one of out own tonight on Zakynthos. Fires are not uncommon here at this time of year & as with the mainland there is always speculation as to whether they have been caused naturally due to the tinder dry conditions or through carelessness of discarded cigarettes or deliberately.
This one started while I was at work in Kalamaki, the frightening thing was watching just how quickly it went from being a small blaze in the distance on Mount Skopos to becoming a line of flame running almost from the bottom to the top of the mountain. I was seeing it from the balcony of the office where I work & took the picture on my phone. (You may recall that it was Mount Skopos that I walked up earlier in the year & the report was posted here on 18/3/07) There was a strongish breeze tonight which of course helped to fan the flames. As the wind changed direction so did the movement of the line of fire, on minute seeming to progress up the mountain, then moving further down or tongues of flame spreading sideways from the main line. The ground fire crews were out in force from the start performing the brave job of fighting the fire. Unfortunately, the sun quickly went down which means that the planes that normally are alerted & sent to scoop water from the sea & drop on the fire are not allowed to fly in darkness.
It really brought home just how terrifying the fires on the mainland must have been for those affected having seen first hand just how fast they take a hold.
I must tell you also that at no time was I in any danger - I would not want anyone to be worrying unnecessarily about me, I am quite safe. As I write this, having looked out of my window at home, the glow on the horizon has now gone which would indicate that the brave fire crews have managed to control the blaze & hopefully put it out.