Major wildfire breaks out northeast of Athens

ATHENS, Greece – Greek authorities declared a state of emergency Saturday as a major wildfire burned unchecked northeast of Athens, threatening homes and villages. Scores of residents fled on foot or by motorbike.

Flames raced toward the villages of Grammatiko, Kalentzi and Varnavas near the town of Marathon, 40 kilometers (25 miles) northeast of the Greek capital, cutting them off from the road. Residents and volunteers desperately tried to prevent the blaze from engulfing houses.

Authorities warned residents in nearby towns to leave immediately. People were evacuating in cars, on motorbikes or on foot. Some were seen running down the road away from the flames.

The wildfire was spread by gale-force winds earlier in the day. By afternoon, winds had slowed to a strong breeze but were shifting so much it was difficult to contain the fire. Authorities were concerned it could spread west and threaten the northern suburbs of Athens.

Nine airplanes, five helicopters and 35 vehicles worked to contain the fire, which is burning in a pine forest in the hills above Marathon. It has already torched nearby olive groves.

The Greek Army confirmed that HAWK anti-aircraft missiles had been evacuated from a base near Marathon.

The fire started Friday on the mountainside above Grammatiko. By early Saturday, it was contained in a ravine but then the strong winds spread the flames down the mountain and onto the surrounding plain.

High winds across Greece helped fan other fires, notably on the Aegean island of Skyros and on the western island of Zakynthos.