Greek authorities have ordered the evacuation of the city of Marathon, the birthplace of the marathon race, because of a massive wildfire.
Residents of Marathon were asked to move to the neighbouring settlement of Nea Makri on Sunday after six settlements in the area were evacuated, news agency Xinhua reported, citing the Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection.
About 30km from Marathon, the facilities of the Athens Olympic Athletic Centre (OAKA), the main venue of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games, opened overnight to welcome many people, reports Greek national broadcaster ERT.
According to the latest information provided by Health Ministry officials, eight people have been admitted to hospital mainly due to respiratory problems.
Meanwhile, firefighters were trying to control the blaze, which has spread over several kilometres in the northeastern Attica region, according to the fire brigade.
The fire broke out at 3 pm local time in Varnavas, about 35 kilometers from Athens. Hot and strong winds caused the fire to spread rapidly and thick clouds of smoke engulfed large parts of Athens.
According to Greek meteorologists, strong winds reaching eight on the Beaufort scale caused the smoke to reach as far as Varnavas, near Marathon, about 100 km away.
Nearly 400 firefighters, supported by 29 water-dropping aircraft and helicopters, 110 fire engines, military squads and many volunteers were working to control the blaze, a fire brigade spokesman told a press briefing in Athens.
Another large wildfire that broke out on Sunday, near the town of Megara in western Attica, has been brought under control.
In both cases, much of the forest area was burned and local officials reported some houses were also damaged.
Firefighters have controlled 40 wildfires in Greece in the past 24 hours, the spokesperson said.
Authorities have advised people to remain cautious these days, as high temperatures in many areas may increase the risk of fire.
Over the past few weeks, the fire brigade has responded to dozens of wildfires every day. Every summer in Greece, many wildfires occur due to the heat and fires.
Two people have died in forest fires this year, while 20 people died last year.
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