Marathon: Strong winds and high temperatures were responsible for dozens of wildfires breaking out in Greece, officials said.
In Marathon, some 42 kilometres northeast of Athens, flames on Saturday were scorching a forested zone not far from the starting line of the Athens Classic Marathon race.
Greek authorities have declared a state of "red alert" for the weekend, with strong winds and a new heatwave continuing to grip Greece.
The winds were allowing the flames to spread before stretched fire-fighting teams could gain control. The fact that the fires took hold on land close to densely inhabited and resort areas was largely a matter of chance.
Greece suffers from destructive wildfires each summer.
Most are linked to arson and heatwaves.
According to Greek meteorologists, high temperatures will continue until the middle of next week.
