Athens, Jun. 26, (dpa/GNA) – A fast-moving wildfire broke out south-east of Athens on Thursday, engulfing holiday homes and forest land as thick smoke billowed into the sky.

The cause of the blaze remains unknown, but authorities say high temperatures and strong winds are fuelling its rapid spread.

Greek television station ERTnews reported that several vacation homes have been destroyed and a large area of scrubland and forest is ablaze.

The civil protection agency issued emergency text alerts, urging residents to evacuate the affected coastal area near the town of Palaia Fokaia, located around 60 kilometres from Athens. The area is mainly composed of vacation properties, many owned by Athenians.

Police rescued 11 tourists from a holiday home in the danger zone, according to Greek radio. The fire service said hotel complexes were not under immediate threat.

A fire brigade spokesman confirmed that 12 helicopters, 12 firefighting planes, 80 fire engines and numerous volunteers have been deployed to battle the flames.

Temperatures in parts of Greece are hovering around 40 degrees Celsius, with strong winds too. Civil protection authorities have have warned that the combination of extreme heat, dry conditions, and high winds can turn even small fires into major blazes within minutes.

GNA

PDC