Wildfires are raging through forests near the Greek capital of Athens, causing thousands of people to flee their homes.
Firefighters have been battling the fires north of Athens after a night of calmer winds allowed them some respite.
Thousands had to flee in the wildfires' wake which has raged for two days leaving homes and forests burnt. More than 90 fires are thought to have started since Saturday, although no casualties have yet been reported. The fires are believed to have decimated more than 37,000 acres of land.
The BBC reports 10,000 inhabitants of Agios Stefanos have fled their homes, with some refusing to leave to defend their homes. A Greek government spokesman told the BBC things now look much better in the Athens area, and the immediate danger has passed.
Planes have been sent from Italy, Cyprus and France to drop water on the fires, which were intensified by gale-force winds. It is reported more than 2,000 firefighters, as well as volunteers, have been tackling the blaze.
Officials have not said what started the fire. Strong winds are expected to resume by midday.
The fires are the worst since those in 2007 which killed about 70 people.
Firefighters have been battling the fires north of Athens after a night of calmer winds allowed them some respite.
Thousands had to flee in the wildfires' wake which has raged for two days leaving homes and forests burnt. More than 90 fires are thought to have started since Saturday, although no casualties have yet been reported. The fires are believed to have decimated more than 37,000 acres of land.
The BBC reports 10,000 inhabitants of Agios Stefanos have fled their homes, with some refusing to leave to defend their homes. A Greek government spokesman told the BBC things now look much better in the Athens area, and the immediate danger has passed.
Planes have been sent from Italy, Cyprus and France to drop water on the fires, which were intensified by gale-force winds. It is reported more than 2,000 firefighters, as well as volunteers, have been tackling the blaze.
Officials have not said what started the fire. Strong winds are expected to resume by midday.
The fires are the worst since those in 2007 which killed about 70 people.
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