Greece: Fire forces residents to flee region

By Magda Panoutsopoulou

ATHENS (AA) - Uncontrolled wildfires have forced hundreds of Greek residents to abandon their homes in two major blazes on the east and west coasts of the Attica region on Monday.

The coastal region on the western side of Attica, Kineta -- around 54 kilometers (34 miles) west of Athens -- has been evacuated, as fires broke out on Monday afternoon in the forest in the Geraneia Mountains that surround the area.

Several houses surrendered to the flames, forcing residents to leave their property behind, while others tried to save what they could using garden hoses.

A firefighting operation is underway with 70 fire fighters and 30 engines striving to contain the flames, as the area is surrounded by pines.

The other second big fire on the northeast side of Attica has forced local authorities to evacuate summer camps, while hundreds more people have left their homes.

The thick smoke surrounding the sky of the Attica region is visible from many areas in the region.