On the second largest Greek island of Euboea, firefighters and volunteers are battling a large forest fire that is proving difficult to control due to strong winds.
The fire has rapidly spread through impassable terrain, according to a fire department spokesman.
As a precaution, several villages and towns in the southern part of the island have been evacuated.
Kurier reports that over 200 firefighters and hundreds of volunteers are currently engaged in the fight against the flames. Authorities have deployed seven firefighting planes, four firefighting helicopters, and a fireboat from the coast guard to assist in the efforts.
One of 50 Fires in 24 Hours
The blaze on Euboea is one of more than 50 fires that broke out in Greece within a 24-hour period, as reported by the fire department spokesman.
While most of these fires were quickly brought under control, the fire on Euboea remains a significant issue.
"We have been used to fires here for many years," said the mayor of the affected municipality of Kymi-Aliveri in an interview with the newspaper Kathimerini.
The mayor hopes that the wind will soon die down, warning that if it does not, the situation could become much more dangerous.
Dagens.com is closely following the developments on Euboea.
