Greece wildfires - latest: Evacuations ordered on edge of Athens as burning pin cones spread flames

Thousands of residents have been evacuated from their homes as firefighters battle wildfires that have spread to the northern suburbs of Athens.

The massive, fast-moving blaze sent flames to heights of over 80ft as Greece sought assistance from other countries, activating Europe’s mutual civil protection mechanism.

The rapid spread of the fire has been helped by the hot, windy weather. Burning pine cones falling from trees have also reportedly frustrated efforts to stop the flames.

The fire began on Sunday afternoon about 35 kilometers (22 miles) northeast of Athens burning several homes and businesses and sending a blanket of smoke and ash over the city centre.

Greece’s National Observatory said satellite images showed the blaze had affected about 25,000 acres.

Evacuation orders were issued for suburbs in the Greek capital through Monday.

Stergios Tsirkas, mayor of the historic Greek town of Marathon, warned they were facing a “biblical catastrophe”.

A children’s hospital, a military hospital, two monasteries and a children’s home were evacuated on Monday morning, and emergency alerts continue to be sent out.