A firefighter battles the flames in Keratea, Greece, on Aug. 8, 2025. A large wildfire broke out Friday afternoon in Keratea, about 35 kilometers southeast of central Athens, forcing evacuations and triggering an emergency response. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
ATHENS, Aug. 8 (Xinhua) -- A large wildfire broke out Friday afternoon in Keratea, about 35 kilometers southeast of central Athens, forcing evacuations and triggering an emergency response.
The fire began in the Manoutso area, rapidly spreading through residential and forested areas, including dry grasslands and farmland, according to Greece's national broadcaster ERT.
The fire front has extended over seven kilometers, damaging several houses and cutting off some roads, ERT said.
Strong winds at seven to eight on the Beaufort scale, with gusts up to nine, along with thick smoke, have hampered firefighting efforts, complicating aerial and ground operations.
Authorities have issued multiple emergency alerts urging residents to evacuate. The Hellenic Police said at least 10 elderly residents have been safely evacuated. ■
People battle the flames in Keratea, Greece, on Aug. 8, 2025. A large wildfire broke out Friday afternoon in Keratea, about 35 kilometers southeast of central Athens, forcing evacuations and triggering an emergency response. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
Photo taken on Aug. 8, 2025 shows the flames in Keratea, Greece. A large wildfire broke out Friday afternoon in Keratea, about 35 kilometers southeast of central Athens, forcing evacuations and triggering an emergency response. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
A firefighter battles the flames in Keratea, Greece, on Aug. 8, 2025. A large wildfire broke out Friday afternoon in Keratea, about 35 kilometers southeast of central Athens, forcing evacuations and triggering an emergency response. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
A local resident battles the flames in Keratea, Greece, on Aug. 8, 2025. A large wildfire broke out Friday afternoon in Keratea, about 35 kilometers southeast of central Athens, forcing evacuations and triggering an emergency response. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
People battle the flames in Keratea, Greece, on Aug. 8, 2025. A large wildfire broke out Friday afternoon in Keratea, about 35 kilometers southeast of central Athens, forcing evacuations and triggering an emergency response. (Xinhua/Marios Lolos)
