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Parts of Athens evacuated after more than 50 wildfires in 24 hours
Parts of Athens have been evacuated after more than 50 wildfires broke out in 24 hours, fuelled by dry conditions, high winds and extreme temperatures.
People living in the suburb of Kryoneri, around 12.5 miles (20 km) northeast of the Greek capital, were told to move to safe areas on Saturday. At least five people, most of them elderly with respiratory problems, have been treated in hospital for burns or smoke inhalation.
Almost 150 firefighters are battling the blaze, backed up by 44 fire engines, 10 firefighting planes and seven helicopters. Greece has asked for six firefighting planes from the European Union's Civil Protection Mechanism to help fight the 52 wildfires raging this weekend, fire service spokesman Vassilis Vathrakoyannis said.
Photos showed houses and tree-covered hills on fire as temperatures hit 38C (100F) - with warnings they could climb to 44C (111F) - and dry conditions and high winds fanned the flames. Mr Vathrakoyannis said that under such conditions wildfires "expand very quickly and become dangerous.
Amir Nisi
Creative and experienced content writer with 6+ years of experience lazy to create unique content strategy for News5 to turn website visitors into customers.
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