Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes as huge wildfires sweep through Athens suburbs, with some flames reaching 25m (80ft) high.
Homes and properties in nearby towns such as Varnavas as well as areas northeast of the Greek capital were set ablaze, including a school in Nea Penteli.
When the sun sets, Firefighting aircraft were forced to land, leaving the firefighting operation on the ground at night.
Residents complained that there were not enough fire trucks and firefighters to help as the Greek government asked for international assistance.
Reuters
ReutersSupport is expected from Spain, Italy, Turkey, Romania and Canada, while France is also providing a Super Puma rescue helicopter and the Czech Republic is sending 75 firefighters and 25 ambulances.
In unprecedented scenes, Athenians had to wear masks to protect themselves from the suffocating smoke that filled the air as they tried to extinguish the blaze.
A team of firefighters, volunteer firefighters, police and residents are using every means possible to extinguish the fire, some even using tree branches.
Strong winds also contributed to the rapid spread of the fire.
Earlier on Monday, fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said winds reached force 7 on the Beaufort scale, indicating a moderate storm.
The burning pine cones blown from the trees by the wind spread the fire.
After more than 24 hours of fire, thousands of people were ordered to evacuate, some people refused to evacuate to protect their homes.
A message from emergency services is urging residents in the northern suburbs of the capital Dionysos to evacuate to nearby Kifissia. Thirty such local messages have been sent out.
On Sunday, residents in towns and villages, including the historic site of Marathon, were ordered to move to safer areas.
More than 700 firefighters, 119 vehicles and a large number of soldiers were deployed to extinguish the fire, with many Volunteers also contribute.
A fire is raging around Mount Penteli, famous for its marble mines, and the adjacent Athens suburb of the same name, where three hospitals have been evacuated.
The Athens National Observatory in Penteli is also under threat as a fire has destroyed some of its facilities.
A fire – which destroyed a lumber mill – was of particular concern due to the hazardous materials in the surrounding area. There was a decommissioned gas station next door.
Elsewhere in Penteli, various explosions could be heard, mainly from fuel tanks and domestic gas cylinders.
ReutersSome areas of the capital were left under clouds. thick brown smoke
Greece just experienced its hottest June and July on record recorded.
Climate crisis and civil protection minister Vassilis Kikilias warned that extremely dangerous weather conditions would continue.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis returned to Athens on Sunday, cutting short his vacation to deal with the crisis.
