EU member states are sending aid to Greece to help battle the massive wildfire burning across woodland north-east of Athens.
The assistance comes as the Greek government requests the activation of the European Civil Protection Mechanism, which helps EU countries respond to emergencies.
The first helicopter from France is due to arrive Monday evening, according to media reports.
Italy plans to send two fire-fighting aircraft by Tuesday and 75 firefighters with 25 vehicles are on their way from the Czech Republic.
A team from Moldova is already on site, while Turkey has also offered help and support from Spain is also expected.
The blaze reached the suburbs of Vrilissia and Penteli in the north-east of Athens in the afternoon.
This was the first time that a major fire had come so close to the Greek capital, experts said on television. The blaze was still around 11 kilometres from Athens’ city centre.
Gale-force winds and gusts of up to 70 kilometres per hour are expected to continue until the evening, but the wind is expected to subside for the time being during the night.
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