Drop in winds offers hope as firefighters battle huge wildfire on fringes of Athens. 1 person dead

Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — A major forest fire has raged into the northern suburbs of Athens, killing one person and triggering evacuations of several areas as swirling winds hampered efforts of hundreds of firefighters and dozens of water-dropping planes. Officials said the situation had slightly improved by late Monday night but Greece remained on high alert. The blaze that began Sunday afternoon raced through pine forests left tinder-dry by repeated heat waves this summer. June and July were the hottest months ever recorded in Greece, which also recorded its warmest winter ever. Three hospitals, two monasteries and a children’s home were evacuated on Monday, while evacuation orders were issued for at least 30 areas, including several Athens suburbs.