Two major fires that broke out on the outskirts of Athens, Greece, on Saturday forced authorities to evacuate thousands of people as hundreds of firefighters battled the blaze amid strong gusts of wind.
According to the Greek press, the most serious fire broke out near the city. Varnava, about 40 km north of the capital. There are 400 firefighters and dozens of aircraft working in the theater of operations.
A monastery, a campsite and a facility for children with special needs were evacuated for safety. Eight people were taken to hospital with breathing problems due to smoke inhalation.
Firefighters are also battling a fire in a forested area near the town of Megara, west of Athens.
Several other regions of Greece were on high alert over the risk of fire on Sunday and Monday, Reuters reported.