Jeddah: Greek authorities raised the alert level to red in the greater Athens area as wildfires approached the capital, fanned by strong winds that contributed to their spread. Firefighters continued their efforts to contain the blazes.

According to National Iraqi News Agency, the most dangerous fires were concentrated about 60 kilometers northwest of Athens, where thick plumes of smoke were clearly visible from the capital. Authorities evacuated several villages near the fire zones as a precaution, while the coast guard rescued 12 people from a beach in Porto Germinou Bay.

Local media reported that at least ten homes had been destroyed. The fire service deployed some 325 firefighters and volunteers, supported by 92 vehicles, 18 firefighting aircraft, and 7 helicopters to combat the flames. The high alert also covered the southern half of the island of Evia, while the second-highest alert level was in effect for Crete, the Peloponnese peninsula, and several other Aegean islands.

Several European countries, including France, Spain, Germany, Turkey, and Italy, are experiencing widespread forest fires, amid warnings that they will intensify due to rising temperatures and climate change.