CNN iReport

Note: I have several more files showing actual aircraft water drops and helicopters fighting the winds to drop water between houses, but they are all larger than 100MB (up to 570MB). Let me know if you want them and we'll figure out a way to transfer them.

We live in Voula, a residential community just south of Athens, Greece. At about 5:00 pm local time a wildfire started in a park a few blocks away from us. Because of the heat and high winds, it quickly spread into the surrounding residential neighborhoods. Firefighters responded quickly, but it was clear that they needed help from the air. Two firefighting fixed wing aircraft responded within 10 minutes and did what they could until the fire started moving through a canyon and up into the residential area. Two firefighting helicopters then responded, and they were able to maneuver between houses and in tight spots under direction from firefighters on the ground. The fire took about an hour to control, and more than 2 hours to extinguish.

Greece experienced a wave of terrible wildfires last year with more than 100 people killed, so the authorities have made special efforts to prepare for them this year. A wildfire warning was issues two days ago because of the predicted high temperatures and high winds, and extra firefighters and aircraft were put on standby. We were very favorably impressed with the quick and professional response to this fire. We have no doubt that it would have reached our home had the authorities not responded so well.

Pat Griffin