EU firefighters to join as Greece battles blaze

A general view of the of Athens with the Acropolis hill as fire burns the northern part of the city on Monday, Aug. 12, 2024, while hundreds of firefighters tackle a major wildfire raging out of control on fringes of Greek capital.

Greece battled a massive wildfire near Athens for a third day on Tuesday, with hundreds of European firefighters due to join the effort to contain the deadly blaze that has scorched parts of the capital's suburbs.

Fuelled by strong winds, Greece's worst wildfire this year raced across a parched landscape, forcing thousands of people to flee their homes as it wreaked widespread destruction around the Greek capital.

At least one person has died and at least 66 people have been treated for injuries. Two firefighters have also been hurt.

In addition to numerous settlements and three hospitals that were evacuated earlier, residents of the village of Vranas were advised Monday night to leave.

Public broadcaster ERT announced that the fire, which had earlier expanded in three major fronts, was presently raging in only one front, Ano Souli.

Fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said there was a single active front but scattered outbreak as of the evening.

It added that a charred body, likely of a woman, was found by firefighters in the area of Patima Vrilissia early Tuesday.

The National Meteorological Service, citing images from the European Sentinel 2 satellite, reported that over 100 square kilometers (38.6 square miles) were burnt to ashes by the wildfire as of noon Monday.

Television footage showed several charred cars and the roofs of stately homes burning as water-bombing helicopters roared overhead.

Smoke drifted through central Athens as thick grey clouds...