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Greek firefighters battle wildfires on Athens outskirts and beyond Greek firefighters battle wildfires on Athens outskirts and beyond
(about 7 hours later)
Greek firefighters have battled large brush and forest fires on the outskirts of Athens and in the southern Peloponnese region, where flames forced the evacuation of at least three villages and two summer camps.Greek firefighters have battled large brush and forest fires on the outskirts of Athens and in the southern Peloponnese region, where flames forced the evacuation of at least three villages and two summer camps.
At least four other wildfires broke out across the country, including one north of the capital. Greece applied for assistance from other European countries.At least four other wildfires broke out across the country, including one north of the capital. Greece applied for assistance from other European countries.
Related: Wildfires sweep hillsides on the outskirts of Athens – in pictures
Strong winds fanned the forest fire in the Lakonia area, on the tip of the Peloponnese, on Friday. Attempts by a coastguard vessel and other boats to rescue scores of people trapped on a beach were hampered by rough seas.Strong winds fanned the forest fire in the Lakonia area, on the tip of the Peloponnese, on Friday. Attempts by a coastguard vessel and other boats to rescue scores of people trapped on a beach were hampered by rough seas.
Local media reported two summer camps and a health centre in the seaside town of Neapoli had been evacuated.Local media reported two summer camps and a health centre in the seaside town of Neapoli had been evacuated.
One of the seven firefighting planes battling the Lakonia fire had to make an emergency landing. Its two pilots were transferred to a local hospital, but were not seriously hurt. Two helicopters, 120 firefighters and nearly 30 soldiers have been tackling the blaze.One of the seven firefighting planes battling the Lakonia fire had to make an emergency landing. Its two pilots were transferred to a local hospital, but were not seriously hurt. Two helicopters, 120 firefighters and nearly 30 soldiers have been tackling the blaze.
In Athens, a large brush fire burned across Ymittos hill on the capital’s outskirts. Strong winds were helping the flames devour parts of the verdant mountainside. More than 70 firefighters were battling the blaze, along with local volunteers.In Athens, a large brush fire burned across Ymittos hill on the capital’s outskirts. Strong winds were helping the flames devour parts of the verdant mountainside. More than 70 firefighters were battling the blaze, along with local volunteers.
After a lull, the fire’s northern front rekindled, sending flames racing up the mountainside.After a lull, the fire’s northern front rekindled, sending flames racing up the mountainside.
Fires also broke out in Koropi, near Athens; at Malakasa, north of the capital; on the island of Evia; and in Argolida in southern Greece.Fires also broke out in Koropi, near Athens; at Malakasa, north of the capital; on the island of Evia; and in Argolida in southern Greece.
The prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, said he had requested help from the Greek army and air force, as well as the European emergency response centre. Two water-dropping planes had taken off from the country’s second largest city, Thessaloniki in the north, to assist with the Athens blaze, he said.The prime minister, Alexis Tsipras, said he had requested help from the Greek army and air force, as well as the European emergency response centre. Two water-dropping planes had taken off from the country’s second largest city, Thessaloniki in the north, to assist with the Athens blaze, he said.
“All forces are on alert,” Tsipras said, noting that the hot, dry and windy conditions made firefighting more difficult.“All forces are on alert,” Tsipras said, noting that the hot, dry and windy conditions made firefighting more difficult.
Forest and brush fires are common during Greece’s hot, dry summers. In 2007, massive forest fires ravaged southern Greece, devastating dozens of villages and killing about 60 people.Forest and brush fires are common during Greece’s hot, dry summers. In 2007, massive forest fires ravaged southern Greece, devastating dozens of villages and killing about 60 people.