01:07A large wildfire on the outskirts of Athens reportedly prompted authorities to order the evacuation of two nearby settlements on Wednesday.
Footage shows smoke rising from the fire as well as burnt houses following the aftermath of the wildfire. Several Greek firefighters, fire engines and a water-bombing aircraft were visible at the scene.
It is also reported that the fire started in sparse vegetation of low bushes and olive trees near Vari, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of central Athens.
According to officials quoted in media reports, the fire was fuelled by windy, hot and dry weather conditions and was allegedly deliberately set, but no injuries were reported.
The fire near Athens, one of many that broke out across the country on Wednesday, has been largely brought under control, according to the Greek fire service. However, firefighters will remain on high alert throughout the evening to prevent a flare-up.
Following last year's forest fires, which forced 19,000 people to evacuate from Rhodes and caused 20 deaths on the northern mainland, Greece has stepped up its preparations for this year by hiring more staff and increasing training efforts.
Fire engines, water-bombing plane spotted as wildfires ravage Athens outskirts, prompting evacuation alerts
A large wildfire on the outskirts of Athens reportedly prompted authorities to order the evacuation of two nearby settlements on Wednesday.
Footage shows smoke rising from the fire as well as burnt houses following the aftermath of the wildfire. Several Greek firefighters, fire engines and a water-bombing aircraft were visible at the scene.
It is also reported that the fire started in sparse vegetation of low bushes and olive trees near Vari, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of central Athens.
According to officials quoted in media reports, the fire was fuelled by windy, hot and dry weather conditions and was allegedly deliberately set, but no injuries were reported.
The fire near Athens, one of many that broke out across the country on Wednesday, has been largely brought under control, according to the Greek fire service. However, firefighters will remain on high alert throughout the evening to prevent a flare-up.
Following last year's forest fires, which forced 19,000 people to evacuate from Rhodes and caused 20 deaths on the northern mainland, Greece has stepped up its preparations for this year by hiring more staff and increasing training efforts.
A large wildfire on the outskirts of Athens reportedly prompted authorities to order the evacuation of two nearby settlements on Wednesday.
Footage shows smoke rising from the fire as well as burnt houses following the aftermath of the wildfire. Several Greek firefighters, fire engines and a water-bombing aircraft were visible at the scene.
It is also reported that the fire started in sparse vegetation of low bushes and olive trees near Vari, about 30 kilometres (18 miles) south of central Athens.
According to officials quoted in media reports, the fire was fuelled by windy, hot and dry weather conditions and was allegedly deliberately set, but no injuries were reported.
The fire near Athens, one of many that broke out across the country on Wednesday, has been largely brought under control, according to the Greek fire service. However, firefighters will remain on high alert throughout the evening to prevent a flare-up.
Following last year's forest fires, which forced 19,000 people to evacuate from Rhodes and caused 20 deaths on the northern mainland, Greece has stepped up its preparations for this year by hiring more staff and increasing training efforts.