Athens, August 01 (QNA) - Greek authorities have deemed the Greater Athens area under extreme fire danger (Category 5 alert), as wildfires approach the Greek capital, driven by strong winds. 
Firefighting teams continue their efforts to bring the blazes under control, with the most dangerous fire being about 60 kilometers (37 miles) northwest of Athens, where thick columns of smoke have risen high enough to be clearly visible from the capital.
Authorities have evacuated several villages near the affected areas as a precaution, while the coast guard rescued 12 people from a beach in the Porto Germeno area.
Local media reported that at least 10 homes have been destroyed. 
The fire service has deployed around 325 firefighters and volunteers, supported by 92 vehicles, 18 firefighting aircraft, and 7 helicopters to battle the flames.
The Category 5 alert has also been extended to the southern half of the island of Euboea, while the second-highest state of alert has been declared in Crete, the Peloponnese Peninsula, and several Aegean islands.
Several European countries, including France, Spain, Germany, Turkiye, and Italy are currently experiencing widespread wildfires, amid warnings that rising temperatures and climate change are increasing the frequency and intensity of such fires. (QNA)