Greece is fighting five major wildfires as extreme heat and strong winds fuel fast-moving flames. The hardest-hit area is just 30km north of Athens, where fires spread through several towns, forcing mass evacuations. Temperatures are nearing 44°C, with the heatwave expected to continue.

Over 200 firefighters are battling the blaze near Athens, supported by aircraft. Six firefighters have been hospitalized.

On Evia island, a fire near Pissona is out of control. Several villages lost power after flames destroyed pylons.

In Kythira, fires forced the rescue of 139 people by boat. In Messinia and Crete, new fires broke out, threatening homes and prompting more evacuations. Greece has requested help from the EU, asking for six additional firefighting aircraft.

Officials warn more regions are at high risk, including Crete, Rhodes, the Peloponnese, and Western Macedonia.