• Greek residents flee as wildfire rages uncontrolled near Athens
• The flames, some reaching 25 meters (80 feet) high, continue to devastate the area
• The historic site of Marathon is among the regions where emergency services are relocating people to safety
• In the nearby town of Varnavas, properties have been engulfed by the fire
• Greece has been battling 40 wildfires since Saturday afternoon, with seven still active

Greek residents flee as wildfire rages uncontrolled near Athens

A massive wildfire north of Athens has forced the evacuation of thousands of residents as flames, some reaching 25 meters (80 feet) high, continue to devastate the area. The historic site of Marathon is among the regions where emergency services are relocating people to safety.

In the nearby town of Varnavas, properties have been engulfed by the fire, with firefighters working to rescue those trapped in a convoy of 20 to 25 vehicles attempting to flee the area. 

Greece has been battling 40 wildfires since Saturday afternoon, with seven still active. Despite intense efforts, the fire brigade reported that the blaze spread rapidly overnight. More than 500 firefighters and 150 vehicles are currently deployed in the firefighting efforts.

The wildfire is now advancing towards the village of Penteli, northeast of Athens, prompting the evacuation of two hospitals at dawn. Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias has warned that extremely dangerous weather conditions will persist and Greece experienced its hottest June and July on record.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis cut his holiday short and returned to Athens on Sunday to address the escalating crisis. By Sunday evening, the fire in Varnavas had burned through 100 square kilometres (38 square miles) of land.

Residents of Varnavas and Grammatiko received evacuation orders through the national emergency system, while those in Marathon were directed to move towards the beach town of Nea Makri.