Thousands flee fires amid Greece's worst heat wave in decades

Firefighters are working to extinguish dozens of fires across Greece, where over 100 wildfires have started in the past day.

ATHENS -- Firefighters are working to extinguish dozens of fires across Greece, where over 100 wildfires have started in the past day. In the town of Evia, 90 miles from Athens, the Greek coast guard and private-owned boats are evacuating people from the beach where residents and tourists fled the flames. According to the Athens News Agency, 90 people have been transported to safety so far. Greece is facing what has been described as its worst heat wave in more than three decades. Greece's Civil Protection Chief Nikos Hardalias said 118 wildfires broke out over the past 24 hours in the country. An EU disaster response group said firefighters and water-dropping planes were being sent to Greece, as well as Italy, Albania and North Macedonia, where fires have also broken out.