Wildfires rage in Greece and Balkans after weeks of scorching weather

Wildfires fanned by strong winds raged in parts of Greece and the Balkans on Tuesday, burning forests and homes while forcing the evacuation of a resort town in Albania, local authorities said.

The region has seen above-average temperatures and dry conditions over the past month that have created ideal conditions for wildfires, scientists say.

Flames engulfed pine trees surrounding a hotel complex in the Albanian coastal town of Shengjin, where authorities evacuated residents.

In North Macedonia, a blaze near the Greek border burned five houses and led to evacuations, local officials said.

Residents told local media that electricity and phone services were cut. A fire further north on Monday burned dozens more buildings and killed one man, authorities said.

"We have many fires. Thousands of hectares have caught fire. Half of the country is in...