Greece: Athens suburbs evacuated as wildfires spread

Some 670 firefighters and more then 30 water-dropping aircraft were out at first light in Greece on Monday as a dozen suburbs of Athens were evacuated due to ongoing wildfires.

"Civil protection forces battled hard throughout the night, but despite superhuman efforts, the fire evolved rapidly," fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said.

Residents of Marathon and several other towns directly north of Athens were ordered to flee to safety, while a children's hospital and a military clinic were also evacuated.

At least two firefighters have been injured since the blaze broke out on Sunday, and several civilians had to be treated for smoke inhalation.

The wildfires were threatening to engulf the heavily populated area just north of Athens, as well as the woodlands surrounding Mount Penteli.

Climate change increasing likelihood of wildfires 

The bone-dry conditions in Greece were expected to continue on Monday, with temperatures reaching 39 degrees Celsius (102 degrees Fahrenheit). Strong winds have also been pushing the fires, which darkened the skies over Athens.

Greece is coming off the warmest winter in history, as well as the hottest June and July on record. Climate breakdown is expected to make wildfires more common and deadly, particularly in warm and arid places.

Last year, 28 people died and 75 were injured in some 80 wildfires that swept the popular tourist island of Rhodes.

es/nm (AP, AFP, Reuters)