Large wildfire near Athens damages homes and trigger evacuation order

Scores of Greek firefighters and water-bombing aircraft are fighting a large wildfire on the fringes of Athens, which has forced two nearby settlements to be evacuated.

Television footage showed flames tearing through low scrub and olive trees in a sparsely inhabited area near Vari, some 30 kilometers (18 miles) south of central Athens.

No injuries were immediately reported but state ERT television showed destroyed plastic boats in a yacht and speedboat parking area, while Greek media reported two homes had been damaged.

The fire service said more than 70 firefighters, assisted by 10 water-dropping planes and helicopters, were working to control the blaze but strong winds have been hampering their efforts, the Associated Press reported.

The surrounding area is dotted with hundreds of scattered buildings, both homes and businesses.

Dozens of wildfires have broken out in Greece in recent days amid scorching summer temperatures, but they were extinguished before causing extensive damage. Several people were arrested and charged with accidentally starting the blazes.

The greater Athens area has been declared at a high risk of fire Wednesday and Thursday.

Wildfires are common in Greece's dry, hot summers, and have caused scores of deaths in recent years. Authorities have warned of a particularly high risk this summer following a dry, warm winter that has left vegetation tinder-dry.

Earlier on Wednesday. the fire service said it had brought under control another blaze near Markopoulo, east of Athens, and on the island of Evia.

Another wildfire was burning on the Aegean Sea island of Naxos.