Wildfire in Greece rages out of control [Video]

ATHENS, Greece –

A major wildfire raged across the northern suburbs of Athens on Monday, triggering multiple evacuations as swirling winds hampered the efforts of hundreds of firefighters and dozens of water-dropping planes.

The blaze started Sunday near Lake Marathon, about 35 kilometres (22 miles) northeast of Athens, coursed across Mount Pendeli and reached the capital’s northern suburbs. It burnt several homes and businesses in the city suburbs and in communities near the lake.

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• In Pictures: Out-of-control wildfire near Athens

Greece went on high alert but by late night Monday, a drop in winds offered hope and officials reported progress against the massive, fast-moving blaze that spawned flames over 25 metres (80 feet) high.

Fire Department spokesperson Col. Vassileios Vathrakogiannis said firefighters were longer battling a single front but “many active localized blazes,” mostly around Marathon and Pendeli.

The Marathon area was the site of a famous battle between Greeks and Persians in 490 B.C. and hosts a museum …