Fire rages near Athens

Source: Tanjug

Athens - Near Athens blazing forest fire enhanced by strong winds, with several homes damaged.

Beta - AP

Because of the potential fire spread, dozens of people have been evacuated.
Witnesses say the fire damaged at least three homes in a village near the town of Marathon, where in the year 490 B.C. a historical battle between the Athenians and the Persians took place, the report said.

"The fire got to the houses, but we do not know how many are affected," said an official of the fire brigade, who wished to remain anonymous.

Police said that form the cottages in the area, about 40 kilometers northeast of Athens, between 50 and 60 people were evacuated.

The spread of fire has been fought against by more than 60 firefighters and volunteers, with the support of dozens of fire engines, four aircraft and four helicopters.