Greece ordered the evacuation of hospitals and homes near Athens on Monday as wildfires spread despite “superhuman” efforts to combat the flames, the fire brigade said.
At least five more communities were told to flee by civil protection authorities, after hundreds of people evacuated on Sunday from at least eight villages.
“Civil protection forces battled hard throughout the night, but despite superhuman efforts, the fire evolved rapidly,” fire brigade spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis said.
“At this moment it has reached Mount Pentelicus and is headed in the direction of Penteli,” he added.
Two hospitals in Penteli - one for children and a military facility - were evacuated at dawn according to Mr Vathrakogiannis.
The brigade has deployed 510 firefighters and 152 vehicles, while 29 aircraft were due to set out at first light, he added.
“Forest fire near you. Follow the instructions of the authorities,” said text messages sent to people in the Attica region, indicating in which direction to flee.