Raging wildfire threatens town near Athens, Greece

Authorities say a raging wildfire southeast of Greece’s capital has burned down at least one house and threatened several others.

The fire broke out early Saturday afternoon in a forested area in the hills west of Keratea, 40 kilometers (25 miles) southeast of Athens, and has spread quickly, despite the efforts of more than 150 firefighters. Four planes and three helicopters also assisted before nightfall.

Local mayor Costas Levantis told TV channel Star that one house has burned down. Greece’s hot, dry summers and prevailing high winds make wildfires frequent.

The government has warned that firefighting resources are stretched dangerously thin.