Greece's Worst Wildfire of the Year Forces Mass Evacuations in Athens Suburbs

The worst wildfire in Greece this year has invaded the suburbs of Athens, prompting mass evacuations and causing extensive damage to trees, homes, and vehicles. Fanned by gale-force winds, the fire continues to rage out of control. Greece has sought assistance from the European Union to combat the blaze.

Greece's worst wildfire this year has spread into the Athens suburbs, forcing hundreds of people to flee. The fire has torched trees, homes, and cars, choking busy roads with smoke and ash. The Greek government has called for assistance from fellow EU members as the fire continues to burn out of control, fanned by gale-force winds.

The flames, threatening apartment blocks, schools, and parks, have reached the deepest into the capital in more than two decades. Almost 700 firefighters, backed by volunteers, 190 fire engines, and 33 water-bombing aircraft, are battling the conflagration that broke out near the village of Varnavas, 35 km (20 miles) north of Athens. Greece has activated the European Civil Protection Mechanism, expecting help from France, Italy, and the Czech Republic.

Residents in the Penteli neighborhood tried to fight the fire with hoses and tree branches as smoke swirled around them. Thirteen people, including two firefighters, have been treated for injuries, while more than 25 areas have been evacuated. Authorities warn that hotter, drier weather linked to climate change has made wildfires more frequent and severe, with Athens on high alert for further fires.