Blaze destroys houses, forest in south-central Greece

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) – A large wildfire that broke out in the regional unit of Corinthos in south-central Greece late on Wednesday prompted authorities to evacuate six nearby villages, the fire department said.

The settlements of Schinos, Aghia Sotira, Vamvakes, Mavrolimni, Mazi and Paraskevas have been evacuated, as well as the monasteries Aghios Ioannis Makrinos and Aghia Paraskevi, according to the fire brigade.

The fire that started late on Wednesday has burned several acres of pine forest in the region and has damaged several houses which are mostly reported to be summer resorts.

Over 182 firefighters are currently in the area battling with the blaze with 62 fire engines, 17 aircraft and three helicopters.

So far, the cause of the fire is unknown.