Greece Evacuates More People as Wildfires Engulf Properties

  • Firefighters using aircraft to tackle blazes in Peloponnese
  • Power blackouts have impacted countries in southeast Europe
A firefighter tries to extinguish a blaze south east of Athens, on June 19.Photographer: Petros Giannakouris/AP Photo
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Greek authorities ordered the evacuation of villages in the Peloponnese region as wildfires destroyed properties, while another blaze was contained at a seaside resort near Athens.

Firefighters across the country are under pressure for a third day, as a combination of strong winds and temperatures as high as 40C (104F) triggered alerts. Athens, which is on the highest red alert, closed the city’s parks as a precaution. More than 45 blazes have broken out in the past few hours alone, according to the fire service.