Αssociated Press reports from Athens that Greek firefighters backed by water-dropping aircraft battled a string of wildfires near Athens and in other parts of the country Wednesday while strong winds that whipped up the flames hampered their efforts.
No injuries were reported. A photographer for The Associated Press witnessed at least two homes damaged by the worst blaze in an area with several scattered vacation houses near Kalyvia, southeast of the Greek capital.
Residents in some nearby areas were notified to evacuate their homes and go to beaches as a precaution. Authorities closed off main roads leading to the archaeological site of Sounio.
The fire service said about 180 firefighters were trying to contain the wildfire raging through forest, olive groves, scrub and vineyards in the Feriza area near Kalyvia, assisted by eight water-dropping helicopters and five planes, as well as local volunteers.
Other wildfires were burning near Nea Makri, a seaside resort east of Athens, on the islands of Andros, Thassos and Crete, and in two locations in the southern Peloponnese region.
A wildfire also broke out in Neos Voutzas, northeastern Attica on Thursday morning. According to the initial information, the blaze is burning near the monastery of Pantokratoras but the fire brigade considers that it does not pose a threat to inhabited areas at this time.
RELATED TOPICS: Greece, Greek tourism news, Tourism in Greece, Greek islands, Hotels in Greece, Travel to Greece, Greek destinations, Greek travel market, Greek tourism statistics, Greek tourism report
Photo Source: Wikimedia Commons License: CC-BY-SA Copyright: C messier
