Residents asked to evacuate area as wildfires threaten suburbs of Athens

Two large wildfires were burning on Sunday near Greece's capital of Athens, and authorities sent emergency messages for some residents to evacuate the area and others to stay at home and close their windows to protect themselves from smoke.

The first blaze, south east of Athens, began in early afternoon. Local authorities said it burned at least four homes and several cars. No casualties were reported by 6pm.

The blaze was approaching the port of Lavrio about 37 miles south east of Athens. The area has suffered from wildfires in recent years. A small forest to the south, near Cape Sounio, also could be in danger.

A second, fast-moving fire later began north of Athens near the suburb of Stamata. It was burning through scrubland and forest and moving up the 3,600ft Mount Penteli, one of four mountains ringing the capital area.

A total of 230 firefighters, 17 planes and 12 helicopters were trying to put out both fires, the Fire Service said. The planes and helicopters can only operate in daylight.

Hot and dry weather, combined with strong winds, are helping spread the fires. Temperatures in the low 30s Celsius are expected to rise on Monday and Tuesday.

Wildfires have become an annual feature in the Mediterranean. Earlier this month, Greece and Turkey saw large fires.

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