Fire in eastern Attica engulfs homes, triggers evacuations

Authorities have urged residents to evacuate an area on the fringes of Athens where a large wildfire was fanned by strong winds.

The fire service said 54 firefighters, assisted by six water-dropping aircraft, were trying to control a "difficult fire" near Vari, some 30 kilometers south of central Athens, in an area where there are scattered residential properties.

At least two homes were engulfed in flames after a fire broke out in Koropi, according to local officials.

Traffic was suspended along a main highway connecting Koropi to Athens suburbs. One storage facility was on fire and flames crept into a boat dry dock and across fields of dry grass and olive trees, images on local TV showed.

A 112 emergency alert message was sent, instructing residents of Lambrika to evacuate towards Agia Marina Avenue. Shortly afterwards, a second alert advised residents...