The blaze broke out on Sunday afternoon, quickly reaching the village of Varnavas, about 35 km (20 miles) north of the Greek capital.

More than 400 firefighters, along with 16 water-bombing planes and 13 helicopters, are battling the intense flames, which have already burned through trees, houses, and cars, sending plumes of smoke over Athens.

As night fell, firefighting aircraft were forced to cease operations until morning, but the situation remains dangerous.

“The fire is spreading between residences,” said fire brigade spokesperson Vassilis Vathrakogiannis, adding that the blaze spread rapidly due to gale-force winds.

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Authorities have issued evacuation alerts for nine areas near Varnavas, a sparsely populated village with around 1,800 residents.

Thick brown smoke has reached as far as the island of Aegina, south of Athens.