Wildfires

Wildfires - Portugal and Greece

Portuguese officials say 112 people have been evacuated from their homes in the central town of Vila de Rei as more than 3,700 firefighters continue to battle dozens of wildfires across the country. 45 people were slightly injured in the fires over the past two days. Firefighters were hoping to make the most of a slight drop in temperatures to make progress in extinguishing some 210 fires still active.

Authorities in Greece have declared a state of emergency on the island of Zakynthos where wildfires are burning for a fourth day. The Fire Service says that the blazes are burning on 12 fronts and not threatening homes or resorts on the island, which is popular with tourists.

A large wildfire north of Athens is threatening homes as it sweeps through pine forest for a second day, uncontained due to high winds. Fire Service officials, two planes and five helicopters are fighting the blaze at Varnava, 45 kilometers (28 miles) north of the Greek capital, while a main road in the area is closed to traffic to give fire trucks better access. The fire burned out of control for a second day Monday after damaging at least 20 homes the previous day and forcing the evacuation of holiday campsites used in the area for children's vacations.