Wildfires outside Athens force thousands to flee, close highways and gutt vacation homes as high winds push flames through forests parched by days of extreme heat
Before nightfall, water-dropping planes and helicopters tackled the flames near Lagonisi, some 40 kilometres southeast of the capital. / Photo: AP
Authorities issued evacuation orders on Monday for at least six seaside communities as two major wildfires edged closer to summer resort towns and gusts of wind hit 70 kilometres per hour. Before nightfall, water-dropping planes and helicopters tackled the flames near Lagonisi, some 40 kilometres southeast of the capital.
Fire Service spokesman Yiannis Artopios said the strong and changeable winds and mountainous terrain in which both fires broke out were slowing the firefighting effort.
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