One dead as fires rage in southern Greece

One person is killed after a large fire in Keratia, southeast of Athens, spreads quickly, destroys homes and promotes evacuation signals.

The fire service says the body of an elderly man was found inside his home in the area of then, near where the fire began.

The flame broke out shortly after 14:00 local time (12:00 BST) on Friday in the Manuo area, initially burning through dry grass and plots of land.

In Greece, over 50 agricultural and forest fires have erupted in the last 24 hours – one of the oldest days for fires this summer.

Increased from winds to 8 becoming, with the gusts reaching 9, the fire near the Kerata increases rapidly in size and intensity. Thick smoke and strong impulses make it difficult for the fire department.

Emergency reports from 112 Civil Protection Service were sent quickly, urging thousands of residents to leave the affected areas.

Police are in place to help evacuations and has already removed at least 10 people who have refused to leave their homes.

Authorities claim that seven areas have been evacuated so far: Synterina, Dimolaki, Maliasteka, Agiasma, Charvalo, Drosia and ARI settlement, which is severely affected by sneaking from end to end. The roads are cut off as the flames have passed the fields and reached residential areas.

Lavreotics Mayor Dimitris Lucas told public television operator ERT that the explosion is “extremely difficult” to detention and now extends more than seven kilometers.

He said it was evacuations for all residents in the settlements affected. The fire moved south from Manouzo to Drosia, entering the pine forest, with the winds pushing it to the Anasi area.

Authorities warn that if not contained soon, it can grow even more.

A force of 190 firefighters, seven ground teams, 44 vehicles and the Olympus mobile operation Center – fights flames supported by 11 aircraft and seven helicopters. Tankers and heavy machines from the Attica region are also located.

Fire crews from the Czech Republic and Romania have joined the effort, while army engineering units provide heavy machines to help restriction.

Later on Friday, another major fire broke out in Helidon, in the Municipality of Ancient Olympia, Western Greece.

The firefighters say that the biggest danger comes from the embers, worn by the wind, which ignite many spots of fires. High voltage passes through the area and crews work urgently to prevent the flames from reaching them.

Evacuation reports were sent through 112 Civil Protection Service for residents of Gramatikos, Lantzoi, Agios Georgios Lantzow, Pornari and Irakleia to the Ilia Regional Unit, advising them to move to the city of Pirgos.

Fire crews fight the flames in Gramatikos, Lantzoi, Helidones and Irakleia, with strong winds, moving fire dangerously close to Pelopio and the archaeological site of ancient Olympia.

A person who was trapped on a Helidon football playground was taken to hospital with an ambulance with severe burns to his hands.

About 80 firefighters, three ground teams, 25 vehicles and resources of local government are on the spot. Six aircraft and three helicopters help with the air.

Authorities have warned that the risk of larger outbreaks remains heavy, especially in Attica, Peloponnese and Western Greece.